5 Actors who played LGBTQIA+ roles on-screen & started a conversation

Indian content has come a long way, having shifted the lens on relevant topics which normalize this subject.

Published: Sunday,Oct 16, 2022 06:30 AM GMT-06:00

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Actors

Films are a very powerful medium to shape narratives and sensitize audiences about various subjects and less-discussed topics in society. The representation of the LGBTQIA+ community in Indian cinema has not been very common. However, Indian content has come a long way, having shifted the lens on relevant topics which normalize this subject. Such movies have inspired people to have conversations and an awareness and understanding of gender fluidity. Here are 5 actors who have played LGBTQIA+ roles in Hindi cinema and started much-needed conversations!

Madhuri Dixit Nene in Maja Ma

Known for making hearts beat faster, this quintessential beauty is an evergreen icon loved and appreciated by people across all ages. People were astounded when they saw her in a new avatar in her recently released movie, Maja Ma on Prime Video. Portraying Pallavi Patel, Madhuri Dixit beautifully showcased how a middle-aged woman who performs her duty as a housewife and a mother, finally comes out of the closet and owns her individual identity.

Ayushmann Khurrana in Shubh Mangal Zyada Savdhaan

Known for breaking stereotypes and always choosing multilayered characters, Ayushmann Khurrana is among the best actors in the industry today. Since the inception of his career, he has not shied away from talking about different topics. Playing a gay character in Shubh Mangal Zyada Savdhaan, he kept the essence and the messaging of the movie simple - ‘Love is Love’.

Sonam Kapoor in Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga

Sonam Kapoor aka the Fashionista took viewers by surprise when she played the role of a lesbian in Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga. Inspired by the 1919 novel, A Damsel in Distress, the movie showcased Sweety who had to choose between the one she loved, inviting the ire of her family, or marry a man, which would make her family happy. Acing the emotions and on-point dialogue delivery, this movie and the story of Sweety will surely melt your heart.

Rajkummar Rao in Badhaai Do

Rajkummar is known for picking movies that are unique, always keeping his fans wondering what new role he’ll do next. In He played the role of a gay cop in Badhaai Do. One of the key messages that he delivered was - you can’t run away from yourself, so it's better to find solutions and ways to make yourself happy.

Vaani Kapoor in Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui

Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui proved Vaani Kapoor’s mettle as a versatile actress and that she can ace any role. In the movie, Vaani plays the role of a trans-woman, Maanvi Brar.. This unique storyline showcased a female trapped inside a male body but with the help of cognitive therapy and multiple operations, she finally felt liberated.

Such movies have not only opened up avenues for discussions but are also helped spread awareness to make the world a more accepting place. Celebrate love and watch these movies, if you havent already.

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Sonam Kapoor

Madhuri Dixit

Ayushmann Khurrana

Rajkummar Rao

Vaani Kapoor

Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga

Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan

Badhaai Do

Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui

Maja Ma

maja ma review maja ma maja ma movie madhuri dixit maja ma ayushmann khurrana ayushmann khurrana shubh mangal zyada saavdhan sonam kapoor ek ladki ko dekha ek ladki ko dekha to aisa laga rajkummar rao badhaai do vaani kapoor chandigarh kare aashiqui

Comments (13)

ChickenSoup @ChickenSoup

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@Camren11 Even if what you said was true, even if it was found in every species, that still doesn’t mean it’s normal. Perversion and filth could exist among all species. Doesn’t mean it should be supported or encouraged. You are a sick minded individual because you support filth and degeneracy. In the future you and all the other scumbags like you will support human animal sexual relationship as well as pedophilia and anyone who opposes that will be labeled as narrow minded or illiterate. That’s how f*cked up your mind is. You need professional help. Filthy faggot loving c*nt!

2 years ago

0 0 Reply

tanu @Armu4eva

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Recently watched Maja Ma and enjoyed it. It was refreshing to watch an icon like Madhuri play a lesbian character. But as others pointed out there have been some great shows and work done related LGBTQIA+ cinema. The Other Love Story & Fire remain my all time favorites. Bhumi was lovely in Badhaai Do as was Kalki in Margarita with a Straw.

2 years ago

1 0 Reply

ChickenSoup @ChickenSoup

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@silvermoonlight I see you blocked me because you’re another dumb bitch who doesn’t have the balls to hear the truth. Pathetic faggot lover! You’re telling me to show kindness to those whose lifestyle is worse than animals??? You’re funny! Let me make one thing very clear! The only things rotten are faggots and their supporters such as yourself.

Today you’re telling me to show kindness to faggots and tomorrow you and other liberal fools like yourself will start supporting human-animal sexual relationship. How far will it go?

2 years ago

0 4 Reply

Male Komolika @Nutkhut-Baalak

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As a gay person I totally got so emotional after reading this article. Love is love. Gay rights are human rights!! ❤️🌷✨

2 years ago

3 1 Reply

silvermoonlight @silvermoonlight

+ 5

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@chickensoup not everyone may agree with lifestyles/choices but that doesn't give a reason to spread hate. Don't be that person. It takes absolutely nothing to show kindness but hate..that rots your soul. Be better.

2 years ago

3 0 Reply

oh nakhrewaali @oh_nakhrewaali

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Bro! Spoiler for Maja maa! But Bhumi, Jeetendra and RKR's portrayal along with Gulshan and Chum in Badhai Do are OP! Also, Kalki and Sayani too played gay characters in Margarita with a straw. OTT space has loads many LGBTQAI+ in webshows, but there are some in BW movies too, not just these five, and if done right, they should be lauded so that the we get more producers investing is such stories.

2 years ago

1 1 Reply

ChickenSoup @ChickenSoup

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@Camren11 Are you okay? Why are you so morally compromised? Why do you favour those who are worse than animals? Dirty faggot loving bitch! Get some help freak!

2 years ago

0 4 Show Responses (1) Reply

Priya @priya185

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I liked Ayushmaan, Vaani and Bhumi

2 years ago

2 1 Reply

ChickenSoup @ChickenSoup

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As if playing filthy characters is a good thing. Stupid article. The only thing gays and lesbians deserve is to be put to death without any regret. These people are worse than animals and have ABSOLUTELY NO PLACE in a sane society. One has to be seriously sick in the head to even consider humanizing them.

2 years ago