For years, Indian cinema avoided the subject of homosexuality and the transgenders in films. For the most part, it has been shown under the garb of comic relief. It's 2022 and the Indian film industry has still not given credence to homosexuality in its depiction, especially in the commercial space.

The month of June is celebrated as Pride Month with great pomp and dignity across the globe. This is when members of the LGBTQ community and their allies come together and organise events to spread awareness about the idea of equal rights and opportunities for their community.

Over the years, representation of sexual minorities in Indian cinema has remained careless and underplayed, with the third-gender portrayal being violently exaggerated in appearances, such as child traffickers, brothel owners, or pimps.
<img alt="Vijay Sethupathi in a still from 'Super Deluxe' " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="51eecef9-d1aa-448d-ba35-867f2796858f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/super%20deluxe.jpg" />
However, Shilpa, played by Vijay Sethupati in the 2019 Tamil anthology 'Super Deluxe’, showed the vulnerable side of the trans communities. The film perhaps is one of the most sincere representations that the audience has witness in present times. In the film, Shilpa faces societal rejection and harassment from the police when she goes to file a missing report for her son Rasakutty. Shilpa's helplessness combined with her son and wife's slow acceptance makes it a thought-provoking watch, ultimately making the audience sympathise with the character.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/journey-of-lesbian-magazine-curve-hits-screens-this-pride-month-389502">Journey of lesbian magazine 'Curve' hits screens this Pride month</a>

Much like trans characters, gays and lesbians too didn't have much chance of being accurately represented in cinema as India's societal scenario was not favourable towards homosexuals for a very long time. Though there were a few filmmakers who dared to showcase concepts encircling same-sex relationships, it was not until 1996, when filmmaker Deepa Mehta made 'Fire', a story of a same-sex relationship between two women of the same household. The film received bitter and aggressive protests across the country, ultimately getting banned.

It took several years for films like 'My Brother Nikhil' (2005), followed by 'Margarita with a Straw' and 'Aligarh' in 2015, 'Dear Dad', 'Kapoor &amp; Sons' and 'Loev', all in 2016, to come out. The films received positive reviews from critics for their treatment of the subject and the sensitivity with which the characters were written.

In 2018, the Supreme Court of India passed a landmark judgement, striking down the draconian section 377 that decriminalised homosexuality. This judgement was welcomed by a wide section of society and people were able to talk openly about their sexual orientation without fear of discrimination. But this change was limited to urban society, and nothing much changed for sexual minorities in the interiors.
<img alt="Still from the films 'Bhadaai Do' and 'Shubha Mangala Jyada Savdhan'" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c231d812-ab91-4b40-a278-35ef31801c00" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/shubha%20mangal%20bhadai%20do.jpg" />
The community though still faces discrimination, violence, hostility, bullying and harassment, even from their family. 'Shub Mangala Jayda Savdhan' and 'Baadhai Do' are good examples where the protagonist feels insecure and is hesitant to express their sexual orientation.

Unlike the other forms of art, cinema has the power to become a catalyst for creating and stirring social change. Juhi Chawla's character in the film 'My Brother Nikhil', who plays the role of an elder sister to Sanjay Suri, understands that being gay is not a disease and supports him during his hard times. This film conveys the message that no matter one's sexual orientation, being acceptive and supportive of that fact can improve the quality of their life.
<img alt="Actors Juhi Chawla and Sanjay Suri in a still from the film 'My Brother Nikhil'" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ff92344-a847-4dc9-a211-959034acf6f7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/my%20brother%20nkhil.jpg" />
Cinema, as we say, is a mirror of the society and is definitely the most appropriate platform to bring social inclusion and acceptance to the LGBTQ population- with more and more films embracing homosexual characters. But the picturization has to be done with care, sensitivity, compassion and understanding towards the community.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-best-makeup-looks-of-pride-month-2022-487693">Best makeup looks of Pride Month 2022</a>

Having a gay or bisexual character in a movie to illicit comedy or meaningless fun has to stop and in its place, a depiction of their normal life with abnormal challenges must be portrayed. Ayushman Khurana and Vani Kapoor starrer film 'Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui' though had scenes and offensive dialogues relating to trans people, the scene between Vani and her father has been beautifully and empathically produced, where sex change is not denounced but wholeheartedly accepted.
<img alt="A still from the film Kapoor &amp; Sons " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ab25c20d-e44c-4d39-82a1-190b579ade37" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/kapoor%20n%20sons.jpg" />
Cinema and the media play a significant role in shaping stereotypes. A well-made, realistic and unquestionable film around a queer theme can in turn make people reflect on their thoughts about the community. This is best depicted in 'Kapoor &amp; Sons', where Fawad Khan's mother disowns him but gradually realises his feelings and accepts his sexual identity.

In today's age, the depiction of heterosexual emotions and sexuality is largely welcomed by the audience. Therefore, the emotional complexities of other genders, their life struggles, and challenges should also be presented in a similar manner that evokes empathy and consciousness amongst people.

'Angry Indian Goddesses', 'Cobalt Blue', short story 'Geeli Pucchi' from 'Ajeeb Daastaans' and 'Baai' from the anthology 'Modern Love Mumbai' sublimely show the developing homosexual desires. The premise of 'Angry Indian Goddesses' and 'Baai' deals with the marriage of a same-sex couple with the support of family and friends.
<img alt="Geeli Puchi from Ajeeb Dasthaaan " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cb6837f8-1387-4798-bd55-6a5c69c07e3a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/geeli%20puchi.jpg" />
Similarly, in 'Ajeeb Dasstaan's' short story 'Geeli Pucchi', the two female protagonists develop a bond where one is hesitant to accept, while the other feels acknowledging is the only way to address the inner conflict.

In the last few decades, Indian cinema has been able to present sexual minorities effectively on the silver screen but sparsely.

The need of the hour is for more sensibly made queer-themed films with subtle and sensitive characterisation. This could help in truly bringing out the change in society towards this vibrant and amazing community.

Also Read&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pride-month-superman-to-captain-america-dc-marvel-their-lgbtq-superheroes-485570">Pride month! Superman to Captain America: DC, Marvel &amp; their LGBTQ superheroes</a>

For years, Indian cinema avoided the subject of homosexuality and the transgenders in films. For the most part, it has been shown under the garb of comic relief.

For years, Indian cinema avoided the subject of homosexuality and the transgenders in films. For the most part, it has been shown under the garb of comic relief. It's 2022 and the Indian film industry has still not given credence to homosexuality in its depiction, especially in the commercial space. The month of June is celebrated as Pride Month with great pomp and dignity across the globe. This is when members of the LGBTQ community and their allies come together and organise events to spread awareness about the idea of equal rights and opportunities for their community. Over the years, representation of sexual minorities in Indian cinema has remained careless and underplayed, with the third-gender portrayal being violently exaggerated in appearances, such as child traffickers, brothel owners, or pimps. However, Shilpa, played by Vijay Sethupati in the 2019 Tamil anthology 'Super Deluxe’, showed the vulnerable side of the trans communities. The film perhaps is one of the most sincere representations that the audience has witness in present times. In the film, Shilpa faces societal rejection and harassment from the police when she goes to file a missing report for her son Rasakutty. Shilpa's helplessness combined with her son and wife's slow acceptance makes it a thought-provoking watch, ultimately making the audience sympathise with the character. Also Read: Journey of lesbian magazine 'Curve' hits screens this Pride month Much like trans characters, gays and lesbians too didn't have much chance of being accurately represented in cinema as India's societal scenario was not favourable towards homosexuals for a very long time. Though there were a few filmmakers who dared to showcase concepts encircling same-sex relationships, it was not until 1996, when filmmaker Deepa Mehta made 'Fire', a story of a same-sex relationship between two women of the same household. The film received bitter and aggressive protests across the country, ultimately getting banned. It took several years for films like 'My Brother Nikhil' (2005), followed by 'Margarita with a Straw' and 'Aligarh' in 2015, 'Dear Dad', 'Kapoor & Sons' and 'Loev', all in 2016, to come out. The films received positive reviews from critics for their treatment of the subject and the sensitivity with which the characters were written. In 2018, the Supreme Court of India passed a landmark judgement, striking down the draconian section 377 that decriminalised homosexuality. This judgement was welcomed by a wide section of society and people were able to talk openly about their sexual orientation without fear of discrimination. But this change was limited to urban society, and nothing much changed for sexual minorities in the interiors. The community though still faces discrimination, violence, hostility, bullying and harassment, even from their family. 'Shub Mangala Jayda Savdhan' and 'Baadhai Do' are good examples where the protagonist feels insecure and is hesitant to express their sexual orientation. Unlike the other forms of art, cinema has the power to become a catalyst for creating and stirring social change. Juhi Chawla's character in the film 'My Brother Nikhil', who plays the role of an elder sister to Sanjay Suri, understands that being gay is not a disease and supports him during his hard times. This film conveys the message that no matter one's sexual orientation, being acceptive and supportive of that fact can improve the quality of their life. Cinema, as we say, is a mirror of the society and is definitely the most appropriate platform to bring social inclusion and acceptance to the LGBTQ population- with more and more films embracing homosexual characters. But the picturization has to be done with care, sensitivity, compassion and understanding towards the community. Also Read: Best makeup looks of Pride Month 2022 Having a gay or bisexual character in a movie to illicit comedy or meaningless fun has to stop and in its place, a depiction of their normal life with abnormal challenges must be portrayed. Ayushman Khurana and Vani Kapoor starrer film 'Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui' though had scenes and offensive dialogues relating to trans people, the scene between Vani and her father has been beautifully and empathically produced, where sex change is not denounced but wholeheartedly accepted. Cinema and the media play a significant role in shaping stereotypes. A well-made, realistic and unquestionable film around a queer theme can in turn make people reflect on their thoughts about the community. This is best depicted in 'Kapoor & Sons', where Fawad Khan's mother disowns him but gradually realises his feelings and accepts his sexual identity. In today's age, the depiction of heterosexual emotions and sexuality is largely welcomed by the audience. Therefore, the emotional complexities of other genders, their life struggles, and challenges should also be presented in a similar manner that evokes empathy and consciousness amongst people. 'Angry Indian Goddesses', 'Cobalt Blue', short story 'Geeli Pucchi' from 'Ajeeb Daastaans' and 'Baai' from the anthology 'Modern Love Mumbai' sublimely show the developing homosexual desires. The premise of 'Angry Indian Goddesses' and 'Baai' deals with the marriage of a same-sex couple with the support of family and friends. Similarly, in 'Ajeeb Dasstaan's' short story 'Geeli Pucchi', the two female protagonists develop a bond where one is hesitant to accept, while the other feels acknowledging is the only way to address the inner conflict. In the last few decades, Indian cinema has been able to present sexual minorities effectively on the silver screen but sparsely. The need of the hour is for more sensibly made queer-themed films with subtle and sensitive characterisation. This could help in truly bringing out the change in society towards this vibrant and amazing community. Also Read Pride month! Superman to Captain America: DC, Marvel & their LGBTQ superheroes

Pride Month: Power of cinema and the positive change it can wield on LGBTQ community

'Vikram Vedha' to 'Master': 7 best films of Vijay Sethupathi to watch on his birthday

The annual Indian Film Festival of Melbourne awards 2019 took place last night at the iconic Palais Theatre in Melbourne.&nbsp;

Zoya Akhtar's 'Gully Boy' walked away with the Best Film honour, whereas Vijay Sethupathi won the Best Actor for his widely acclaimed performance in Tamil film 'Super Deluxe' and Tabu was named Best Actress for her performance in 'Andhadhun'.&nbsp;

After winning the award, an ecstatic Zoya said, “I am so excited. I am not going to forget this evening. This is my first award in the capacity of a producer. 'Gully boy' was our first production. This is a good start. No one makes a movie alone and this wouldn’t be possible without my producers, my co-writer, my incredible actors and every member of my cast and crew. 54 invincible artists worked on this album. I owe this night to all of them.”

Upon receiving her award, Tabu said, “It’s my first time in Australia but I will remember it for the rest of my life. Thank you, Sriram for writing this for me. &nbsp;This character is a catalyst for change of roles for women that are being written and will be written in future. Thank you for trusting me with this character”.&nbsp;

<img alt="tabu" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6df254e0-bb3a-4cd7-8522-a718f796564a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202019-08-09T111203.212_0.jpg" />

Additionally, IFFM honoured Shah Rukh Khan - the &nbsp;'Excellence In Cinema' award. The effervescent star said, “Awards are odd because to me an art form is judged for its quality feels counter-intuitive. Art is an expression and cinema is the ability to create emotions and share experiences through stories. To be an actor is to live to know that each one is a mere illusion. When you are making a movie you can change a lot by changing the angle of the light and it strikes you that life is a lot like that as well. It’s the simple things that can alter your journey and pondering makes your story worth telling. It’s not the awards you get, it’s just the part of creating a process that is an exhilarating experience for an artiste.”

<img alt="srk" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e08ef23-a983-41de-85a5-a47e418405fc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202019-08-09T111049.351.jpg" />

Karan Johar spoke on two decades of his debut movie, 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', “I am here today only because of 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'. I can’t believe I actually became a filmmaker. My parents thought I am too emotionally fragile for the movie business. Two men who had faith in me more than I had on myself are Aditya Chopra and Shah Rukh Khan. Adi said I am melodramatic and thus I should be a filmmaker. SRK is bhai for me because over the years the friendship went into family and at some point, it transformed into sibling love. I don’t have siblings of my own but he is the older brother I never had, looking out for me at every step. During DDLJ shoot, he promised me that if I became a filmmaker he will work with me. He kept his word and in October 1997, I started the schedule of the film”. &nbsp;Johar was honoured with a special award as his iconic film completed 20 years.&nbsp;

<img alt="k" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="da4a971e-17e0-4e8a-a05c-b88aee562dbd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202019-08-09T111112.514.jpg" /> 
 
The award ceremony also actors Arjun Kapoor, Gayathri, filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, Rima Das and other celerbities in attendance.&nbsp;

<img alt="k" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="428e7ad9-c377-4f3f-b340-0d2af6de13ff" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202019-08-09T111125.699.jpg" />

<img alt="k" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8e2ad409-21c7-4d6f-906f-dd0ba8526fec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202019-08-09T111413.687.jpg" />

Here’s a complete list of winners: &nbsp;

IFFM Best Short Film: 'My Name Is&nbsp;Mohamed&nbsp;And&nbsp;Raghad, We&nbsp;Don’t&nbsp;Exist&nbsp;Here&nbsp;Anymore'&nbsp;by Ali Mousawi 
'Be My Brother'&nbsp;by Genevieve Clay

IFFM Diversity Award: Onir

Telstra People’s Choice Award: Simmba

IFFM Best Director: Sriram Raghavan for 'Andhadhun'

IFFM Best Actor: Vijay Sethupathi for 'Super Ddeluxe'

IFFM Best Actress: Tabu for 'Andhadhun'

IFFM Best Indie film: Bulbul Can Sing'

IFFM Best Film: 'Gully Boy'

PWC Equality in Cinema award an honorary award:&nbsp;'Chuskit'&nbsp;&amp; 'Super Deluxe'

IFFM Excellence in Cinema:&nbsp;Shah Rukh Khan

The annual Indian Film Festival of Melbourne awards 2019 took place last night at the iconic Palais Theatre in Melbourne. Zoya Akhtar's 'Gully Boy' walked away with the Best Film honour, whereas Vijay Sethupathi won the Best Actor for his widely acclaimed performance in Tamil film 'Super Deluxe' and Tabu was named Best Actress for her performance in 'Andhadhun'.

The annual Indian Film Festival of Melbourne awards 2019 took place last night at the iconic Palais Theatre in Melbourne. Zoya Akhtar's 'Gully Boy' walked away with the Best Film honour, whereas Vijay Sethupathi won the Best Actor for his widely acclaimed performance in Tamil film 'Super Deluxe' and Tabu was named Best Actress for her performance in 'Andhadhun'. After winning the award, an ecstatic Zoya said, “I am so excited. I am not going to forget this evening. This is my first award in the capacity of a producer. 'Gully boy' was our first production. This is a good start. No one makes a movie alone and this wouldn’t be possible without my producers, my co-writer, my incredible actors and every member of my cast and crew. 54 invincible artists worked on this album. I owe this night to all of them.” Upon receiving her award, Tabu said, “It’s my first time in Australia but I will remember it for the rest of my life. Thank you, Sriram for writing this for me. This character is a catalyst for change of roles for women that are being written and will be written in future. Thank you for trusting me with this character”. Additionally, IFFM honoured Shah Rukh Khan - the 'Excellence In Cinema' award. The effervescent star said, “Awards are odd because to me an art form is judged for its quality feels counter-intuitive. Art is an expression and cinema is the ability to create emotions and share experiences through stories. To be an actor is to live to know that each one is a mere illusion. When you are making a movie you can change a lot by changing the angle of the light and it strikes you that life is a lot like that as well. It’s the simple things that can alter your journey and pondering makes your story worth telling. It’s not the awards you get, it’s just the part of creating a process that is an exhilarating experience for an artiste.” Karan Johar spoke on two decades of his debut movie, 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', “I am here today only because of 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'. I can’t believe I actually became a filmmaker. My parents thought I am too emotionally fragile for the movie business. Two men who had faith in me more than I had on myself are Aditya Chopra and Shah Rukh Khan. Adi said I am melodramatic and thus I should be a filmmaker. SRK is bhai for me because over the years the friendship went into family and at some point, it transformed into sibling love. I don’t have siblings of my own but he is the older brother I never had, looking out for me at every step. During DDLJ shoot, he promised me that if I became a filmmaker he will work with me. He kept his word and in October 1997, I started the schedule of the film”. Johar was honoured with a special award as his iconic film completed 20 years. The award ceremony also actors Arjun Kapoor, Gayathri, filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, Rima Das and other celerbities in attendance. Here’s a complete list of winners: IFFM Best Short Film: 'My Name Is Mohamed And Raghad, We Don’t Exist Here Anymore' by Ali Mousawi 'Be My Brother' by Genevieve Clay IFFM Diversity Award: Onir Telstra People’s Choice Award: Simmba IFFM Best Director: Sriram Raghavan for 'Andhadhun' IFFM Best Actor: Vijay Sethupathi for 'Super Ddeluxe' IFFM Best Actress: Tabu for 'Andhadhun' IFFM Best Indie film: Bulbul Can Sing' IFFM Best Film: 'Gully Boy' PWC Equality in Cinema award an honorary award: 'Chuskit' & 'Super Deluxe' IFFM Excellence in Cinema: Shah Rukh Khan

IFFM Awards 2019: 'Gully Boy', 'Andhadhun' win top honours, Tabu, Vijay Sethupathi get acting awards

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Pride Month: Power of cinema and the positive change it can wield on LGBTQ community

'Vikram Vedha' to 'Master': 7 best films of Vijay Sethupathi to watch on his birthday

IFFM Awards 2019: 'Gully Boy', 'Andhadhun' win top honours, Tabu, Vijay Sethupathi get acting awards