On his trip to Mumbai, Sir Ian McKellen urged India to join the rest of the world in embracing the gay community and to get rid of colonial law Section 377.
At the inauguration of the seventh Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, India's only LGBTQ film festival, McKellen joined Sonam Kapoor in expressing frustration with India's resistance to striking down Section 377.
"It seems to me that India is at some crossroads or another. You have to decide whether you're going to be stuck in the colonial past or enter the modern world. Join the rest of us, who are simply prepared to accept that we are all born equal, be it the colour of our skin or hair," said McKellen at the event.
Along with inaugurating the festival, McKellen had a conversation with Aamir Khan on Shakespeare, cinema and theatre. The discussion would have been better if Khan had read a bit more about McKellen's history ahead of time. Khan chose to ask McKellen if he was the only openly gay man in Hollywood. McKellen responded, "I’m not. There are literally hundreds of us.”
Khan also bungled his knowledge of India's anti-gay laws, saying he didn't know of any Bollywood stars who were out. His nephew Imran Khan, in the audience, reminded him of the laws — and that must have looked quite bad!
But Khan managed to get back in our good books after making McKellen wear a kurta pajama for a reception held by the British Deputy High Commissioner for Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday. We think he looks very spiffy in the scarlet outfit.
Despite an awkward public talk, it seems Sir Ian pushed India toward looking at how outdated it's anti-LGBTQI laws are. The message was especially poignant coming from McKellen, who has fought for these rights in the United Kingdom and United States. It was gratifying to see Sonam Kapoor and Sir Ian as visible allies to the community by attending these events. Every public appearance helps.
Main Image Photo Credit: www.mumbaiqueerfest.com
Rumnique Nannar
Author
Rumnique Nannar is a new journalist with a passion for all things pop culture, film, and art. Rumnique was born in London, with a predilection for devouring English chocolate with her Vogue, ANOKHI, and Glamour magazines in tow. She is currently in her Journalism Masters at UBC. Connect ...
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