Unveiling narratives: representation of same-sex love in Bollywood films

The cultural history of India has often ignored diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, leaving LGBTQIA+ individuals burdened with guilt and shame. Visual media significantly shapes public opinion about LGBTQIA+ people and influences how individuals understand their gender and sexuality. Bollywood’s representation of homosexual characters has evolved from caricature and ridicule to sensitive and leading portrayals. Growing visibility and positive depictions contribute to a more inclusive society. This paper examines two Bollywood films—Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga (2019) and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020)—analysing visual elements and their role in shaping the portrayal of homosexuality, and reading both through the lens of familial resistance to same-sex relationships. It concludes that while earlier films depicted disclosure of sexual identity to families, these selected films uniquely emphasize seeking acceptance and understanding within the family, marking them as exceptional narratives in Bollywood’s portrayal of homosexuality.