Sayani Gupta: Glad to see Indian audience has started negating the stigma around LGBTQIA+ content

Sayani Gupta, whose recent performance in the Nandita Das-directed film 'Zwigato' earned her accolades takes immense pride in the progressive shift of the Indian audience's perspective towards LGBTQIA+ narratives in films and series. Yet, she firmly asserts, "When I portrayed the lover of Kalki Koechlin's character in 'Margarita With A Straw' (2013), the audience's acceptance wasn't my primary concern." In an exclusive chat with ETimes, the actor speaks on his latest Bengali film which pays tribute to Mrinal Sen, the taboos and stigma around same-sex relationships, gender inclusivity, the changing scenario, the legalisations of same-sex marriages and more.

When Sayani Gupta regularly visited gay bars to prepare for her queer character

Sayani's reasons for accepting the role in 'Margarita With A Straw' were grounded in the script's quality and her character's depth. "Opting for this role was an obvious choice," she says, adding, "The fear of taking on such roles never made sense to me. After all, it hinges on personal beliefs and perceptions." She passionately points out, "The essence of an actor's job lies in choosing significant roles and rendering them with utmost honesty and proficiency. Evading roles of this nature? I deem that purely nonsensical."

When questioned about how she prepared for her character, Kalki Koechlin’s love interest, in 'Margarita With A Straw', Sayani offers an intriguing insight. "I traveled to New York, spending days in gay bars. This two-week endeavor was a revelation, an education about uncharted territories and the boundless freedom the world offers." Sayani firmly believes in fostering an inclusive environment, insisting, "We must cultivate empathy, ever striving to be inclusive."

Reflecting upon the past decade, Sayani expresses a mixed bag of emotions. "There's a discernible shift towards acceptance, with both young and old evolving in their viewpoints. The pace of progress, although steady, is still slow. To put it metaphorically, we're walking, not running. But this walk is vital to pave the path for a sprint," she elucidates.

With her extensive experience in the film industry, Sayani reveals a poignant reality. "I've encountered numerous actors who identify as LGBTQIA+ but remain closeted." She further articulates, "The timing of 'coming out' is deeply personal. The Indian landscape is such that revealing one's sexuality can potentially jeopardize an actor's fanbase." Sayani laments this state of affairs, advocating for societal responsibility, saying, "It's upon us to foster a safe environment, enabling individuals to unveil their authentic selves without apprehension."

The 'Four More Shots Please!' actor also delves into the conversation about legalizing same-sex marriages. "Denying individuals the right to marry based on their sexual orientation is a gross violation of basic human rights," she proclaims. Sayani calls for collective efforts to ensure a nurturing space for LGBTQIA+ community members.

Switching gears, Sayani shares her excitement about her latest Bengali film 'Palan’. Directed by Kaushik Ganguly, this film serves as a heartfelt ode to the legendary Mrinal Sen. "Palan embodies the ideals and philosophies that Mrinal Sen championed through his cinematic masterpieces," Sayani asserts. She believes that the movie is a poignant reminder, especially in today's times, "In an era where ethics often take a backseat to opportunism, it's crucial to remember that our moral foundation and inner resilience define our humanity."

Sayani Gupta's journey, both as an actor and an advocate, serves as an inspiration for many. Through her roles, beliefs, and outspoken nature, she not only champions LGBTQIA+ rights but also emphasizes the importance of self-belief, empathy, and the continual quest for inclusivity in the film industry and society at large.