Indian star Abhishek Bachchan on a victory for gay rights
Indian star Abhishek Bachchan on a victory for gay rights
Published: 12:01 pm Sep 14, 2018
TORONTO: Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan is cheering India’s decision to strike down a ban on consensual gay sex, calling it “a wonderful step in the right direction.” India’s Supreme Court last week reversed a colonial-era law that made gay sex punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a landmark victory for gay rights that one judge said would “pave the way for a better future.” Bachchan, at the Toronto Film Festival, agreed: “It shows the kind of progression that is happening in India, especially from the mindset of the youth,” he said Tuesday. While Bachchan said some Indian films have dealt with the issue of homosexuality, Indian cinema is generally not political. “Indian cinema, by and large, is very escapist by nature. You go in to a film, you want a laugh and a cry. You want to fall in love. You want to hate. You want to see some action,” he said. “I think the function of Indian cinema is to come in forget your worries for three hours.” Bachchan’s latest film, “Manmarziyaan,” or “Husband Material,” is a quirky love triangle also starring Taapsee Pannu and Vicky Kaushal. It’s directed by Anurag Kashyap.
Actor Abhishek Bachchan expresses joy at India striking down a ban on consensual gay sex; says he’s not offended by “The Simpsons” character Apu, which some believe paints a racial stereotype of Indian people. (Sept. 13)