Anshuman Jha: Was Told by a Big Producer That It’s Suicide to Play Gay Man in Non-Comic Film
Actor Anshuman Jha, who plays a gay man in the OTT-released film “Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele”, claims he was warned by a certain Bollywood bigwig that he should stay away from such a role and subject, especially in the non-comic genre. “I was told by a big producer that it’s suicide to play a gay man in a non-comic film in India. As a production I was told I am hammering my foot to back this concept when I have the option of picking any other genre,” he says. Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele: Anshuman Jha Reveals Why His New Release Is Special for Him.
“We need to break these set templates and stereotypes and back stories we believe in. I said this story to simply normalise, humanise the LGBTQ+ community in mainstream Bollywood. I feel a sense of redemption for having chosen love and friendship as the core tenets of the narrative. I am grateful to (writer-director) Harish (Vyas) sir and the audiences for trusting me,” he says. Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele Movie Review: Zareen Khan and Anshuman Jha’s Gender-Less ‘Love Story’ Passes Muster (Today News 24 Exclusive).
Anshuman welcomes any kind of reaction to the film, since it starts a conversation. “I’m grateful to the audience who have liked the film or disliked the film and started conversations on acceptance. This love for our film is my mother’s blessing,” says the actor, who has also produced the film. The film also stars Zareen Khan. It showcases the journey of a gay man and a lesbian woman from Delhi to Mcleodganj, and how they understand the true essence of a soulmate in the process. The film is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotsar.
(The above story first appeared on Today News 24 on May 19, 2021 04:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website todaynews24.top).
