Vivek Agnihotri, Celine Jaitly, Hansal Mehta: Bollywood celebrities who are rooting for legalizing same sex marriage in India

Leading actors in Bollywood like Rajkummar Rao, Sonam Kapoor, Celina Jaitly, Ayushmann Khurrana, and many others have not only been vocal about their opinions but have also been part of films with significant representation of LGBTQ characters. Now, as India's Supreme Court is hearing arguments in a historic group of petitions to legalize same-sex marriage, we take a look at celebs who are rooting for the same.

Vivek Agnihotri is known for putting across his views as strongly as possible. The director recently advocated for the same sex marriage in India. Contradicting the centre’s petition which stated same sex marriage as an ‘urban elitist concept’, Agnihotri tweeted, ‘NO. Same sex marriage is not an ‘urban elitist’ concept. It’s a human need. Maybe some sarkari elites drafted it who have never travelled in small towns & villages. Or Mumbai locals. First, same sex marriage is not a concept. It’s a need. It’s a right. And in a progressive, liberal & inclusive civilisation like Bharat, same sex marriage should be normal, not a crime.

Celina Jaitly has always voiced her support towards the LGBTQ+ community. She recently joined the bandwagon of celebrities extending their support to same sex marriage in India. She took to her Twitter handle and wrote, ‘I stand with the Indian #LGBTQ in their battle for right to life to dignity, to the institution of marriage & family which is available to others Today a 5 judge Constitution Bench hears pleas seeking legal recognition for same-sex marriage.

Filmmaker Onir, who himself identifies as gay, is known to wear his heart of his sleeve and someone who never minces his words. Taking to his twitter handle, the director slammed the centre for its ‘urban elitist’ comment. He wrote, ‘Good morning beautiful people. Today at 1pm the Supreme Court of India starts its deliberation on same sex marriage. An important day for our lives & struggle for equal rights .Be with us to create a more beautiful inclusive world.’

Read Also: Will continue to wear my identity with pride: Filmmaker Onir

Hansal Mehta is one Bollywood celebrity who has often extended his support to the LGBTQ+ community through his movies. While he recently depicted a beautiful love story between two modern gay men in ‘Modern Love Mumbai’ series, he garnered immense love and appreciation for his film, ‘Aligarh’. Taking to his twitter handle, he wrote, ‘Come on Supreme Court! Pave the path. Legalise same-sex marriages. #AbKiBaarPyaar.’

Editor, screenwriter Apurva Asrani urged them to come together despite their political division and support the basic right of the LGBTQ+ community. He wrote on twitter, ‘Dear Left, Right & those in between; It's easy to be divided by ideological hatred. The bigger question is; can you be united today for the right to love? #samesexmarriage isn't just some trending hashtag. Not fighting for your brethren to have it is unconstitutional & inhuman.’

Read Also: Writer-director Apurva Asrani comes out in support of Priyanka Chopra, says, Sushant Singh Rajput was harangued