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Indian Films Have a Funny Way of Featuring Gay Characters

Indian Films Have a Funny Way of Featuring Gay Characters

Bollywood
Nbroverman
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Bollywood films made in India are beginning to feature gay characters, but some say their portrayal is hackneyed and stereotyped.

"The general effect of an unusual body language or way of speaking could come across as funny, but it's really not," Indian actor Gulshan Grover says. "In India, we are not used to seeing gay characters in mainstream films. We tend to exaggerate their qualities."

Leaders in the nation's film industry say women are also marginalized in Bollywood films, often portrayed as dimwitted sexpots.

"It's okay to laugh with someone but not at someone," according to a director who's made films with gay characters. "I think with films the thought is 'what generates money.' We don't think good, bad, or ugly. If we do this, then it will work better -- that is the thought process."

Read more here.

Nbroverman
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Neal Broverman

Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.
Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.