Films that portrayed homosexual relationships in Bollywood

Films depicting gay relationships have been far and few in Bollywood. Nevertheless, in the light of the recent ruling by the Supreme Court criminalising gay sex, we throw a light on films depicting homosexual relationships.

Fire (1996) 

Considered a pathbreaker, Deepa Mehta’s Fire (1996) remains synonymous with the subject of homosexuality to date. The same-sex love between two married women (Shabana Azmi-Nandita Das) created a huge furore in the country when it was released. The film came under huge criticism from various classesover its bold theme and intimate scenes between the two actresses.

Girlfriend (2004) 

This film was nothing but an exercise in cheap thrills and titillation. But the audience didn’t buy it. No wonder, the film sank without a trace owing to a script which defied logic and weak characterisations. As for the lesbian encounters between the lead characters - Isha Koppikar and Amrita Arora, the scenes were tackled in such a tacky manner that it did not leave the desired effect.

My Brother Nikhil (2005) 

Filmmaker Onir’s touching depiction of bonds between family and friends touched upon the topic of closeted gay relationshipsand the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.

Dunno Y… Na Jaane Kyon (2010) 

The film was said to feature the first gay kiss in India between its lead pair Aryan Vaid and Kapil Sharma. Though it received accolades at international film festivals, it did not bring in the crowds in Indian multiplexes.

Bombay Talkies (2013) 

Karan Johar directed the closetted gay love story between Randeep Hooda and Saquib Salem. The complications that arise in a marital situation was in stark contrast to the stereotypical depiction of gays in Johar’s earlier films like Dostana and Kal Ho Naa Ho.