India is the country that produces the most films in the Hindi language film genre. Cinema not only shapes social attitudes, but it also reflects the society that it depicts. The Indian film industry, more commonly referred to as "Bollywood," has profound ties to the community. These shifts are a reflection of broader shifts in attitudes in society. The social attitudes can be found in both mainstream and independent films.
Numerous sexual identities and descriptors have been classified into their own unique categories. Here, we take a look at a handful of movies from the Hindi film industry that feature homosexual characters.
Numerous Bollywood films that deal with homosexuality have continued to be at the centre of debates for a variety of reasons. They have been criticised for failing to provide an acceptable narrative for the homosexual characters in the show.
In many cases, the characters in movies have been a big deviation from what it genuinely looks like for two individuals to be in a homosexual relationship. This is because movies often portray homosexual relationships as being more sexually explicit than they actually are.
Why is it important for Hindi cinema to have an accurate representation of homosexual relationships?
Films are an indispensable component of our society and serve as a mirror for our worldviews. As soon as we begin producing movies that are more welcoming of people of all identities, the sooner we will recognise a drastic shift in our society. Initially films from Bollywood were notably homophobic. Thelesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, (LGBTQ+) characters in a lot of movies didn't get the storylines they deserved, which made us think about how much we have accepted the community in real terms. But this has changed. After looking at this list of Bollywood movies based on homosexual relationships, you would have no choice but to praise Hindi cinema.
Fire (1996)
The person who is responsible for writing, directing, and creating the film provided screen space to a homosexual relationship. The actresses portray the roles of sisters-in-law at the commencement of their respective narratives in the film. The characters of Radha and Sita are both involved in marriages that take place at a distance from one another. As a result of Radha's inability to bear children and Sita's husband's newfound interest in a more contemporary partner, he pays less attention to Sita. Both of the women are exhausted from being in unhealthy and abusive relationships, and they find solace in one another as a way to heal from their past experiences. They had to triumph over a number of obstacles, but in the end, they were victorious.
This movie provoked a great deal of audience controversy in 1998, when it was initially screened in theatres in India for the first time. It sparked public debates on homosexuality and the protection of free speech in the United States in a variety of cities and towns around the country.
Nikhil, a brother of mine (2005)
The film was directed, and in addition to discussing HIV, it presented a homosexual relationship as a subject of investigation. It portraysNavin, a competitive athlete, whose life went apart once he was given the news that he was HIV positive, and as a result, his parents kicked him out of the house. His relationship with his sister Anamika, his best friend Nigel, and his partner Sam were the only things that remained the same in his life.
Margarita With a Straw (2014)
Margarita With A Straw is a movie that was made in Hindi. This excellent movie covered a wide range of subjects, including homosexuality, self-love, self-acceptance, and inclusivity. The plot centres on the protagonist, who has cerebral palsy and falls in love with a blind character.It had a world premiere, where it was met with enthusiastic applause, and it also did well with audiences in India.
Aligarh (2015)
It is a biographical drama set in India. The action of the narrative takes place in Aligarh, and it centres on a teacher at the Aligarh Muslim University. Both his respected position in the institution and his ability to teach there were taken away from him as a result of his immoral behaviour. A nearby television station invaded his privacy by filming him having an intimate encounter with a rickshaw puller. The dispute is brought before the court, which ultimately decides in Siras's favour after hearing the evidence.
Ek Ladki Ko DekhaTohAisaLaga (2019)
The movie, which has the working title A Damsel in Distress. It looked at a lesbian relationship as well as the prejudice that surrounds it. Sweety and Kuhu have feelings for each other, but Sweety's family does not accept or approve of their homosexual relationship. Kuhu and Sweety are in love.
Because she wants what's best for her family and her single father, Balbir, she gives her consent for Sahil to become her husband. After being moved by Sweety's story, Sahil comes up with the idea to compose a play called Ek Ladki Ko DekhaTohAisaLaga and cast the members of her family in the roles. After reading the journal that his daughter kept, Balbir was able to understand how lonely Sweety felt. Throughout the play, he acts as her defender and champions her connection with Kuhu.
Shubh Mangal ZyadaSaavdhan (2020)
The film examines a gay relationship between the characters Aman and Kartik. Because Aman's family follows traditional religious practises, he has a difficult time persuading them to accept his connection with Kartik. The fact that they are dating is revealed to Aman's father when he happens to walk in on the couple as they are passionately kissing on a train.
Aman gives his consent for Kusum to wed Aman, while Kartik works diligently to win over the approval of his boyfriend's family for their relationship. After some time has passed, the family learns of the historic ruling of India's Supreme Court that decriminalises homosexuality throughout the country. The couple is able to put their differences behind them and go on with their happy lives in Delhi.
Badhaai Do (2022)
Badhaai Do is a Hindi comedy film and it investigates homosexual relationships as well as the concept of lavender marriage. Shardul and Sumi come to the conclusion that they should marry each other while also maintaining their separate romantic relationships with their boyfriend and girlfriend. When Rimjhim moves in with Sumi, and Shardul and Sumi's family puts pressure on the couple to start a family, the comic drama that is about to unfold is set in motion.
Also Read: Parenthood and the LQBTQI+ Community: A Basic Human Right
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