Aseem Chhabra lists his favourite films, most of them shown at international film festivals held virtually (Berlinale and Rotterdam), hybrid (Toronto) or physical (Cannes and Venice).
'When Arnab Goswami announced on TV, it's over, it's done, dad patted me with love and said congrats.' 'I broke down' Nakshatra Bagwe, a 'proud gay' film-maker and activist from Mumbai, tells Rediff.com's Divya Nair.
Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan is not so much a homosexual romance as it is an exuberant appeal imploring conservative Indian parents to accept and respect their children's choices, gay or straight, notes Sukanya Verma.
Aseem Chhabra lists his favourite films from the recent Toronto International Film Festival.
What's it like for two people of the same sex to be in love Mumbai? Anita Aikara/Rediff.com finds out.
'A progressive judgment could have moved India forward, given hope to millions of young homosexual men and women, by telling them that there is nothing wrong with them, their feelings and emotions are fine, that it is natural and alright for them to be attracted to people of their own gender and to express love as they wish to. 'But instead, the Wednesday ruling does not protect the rights of a large minority. And that is indeed shameful and hugely disappointing,' writes Aseem Chhabra. 'Instead the Supreme Court judges did not step in to protect the rights of a large minority. And that is indeed shameful and hugely disappointing,' writes Aseem Chhabra.
Margarita With A Straw was screened on Sunday at the ongoing Toronto International Film Festival.
'A live-in is complicated in metro cities as well. In Mumbai, even bachelors doesn't get a house on rent -- I didn't get one for the longest time. To add to that, if the house-owner gets to know that you're an aspiring actor, things become even more difficult.'
The SC in its judgment said that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is a violation of Freedom of Expression. "Sexual orientation of an individual is natural and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is a violation of Freedom of Expression, Supreme Court," the court said.
Sukanya Verma looks at 2019's winners and washouts so far.
'We always want to pull down the other person.' 'All we need right now is sensitivity, not just in our industry, but everywhere.'
A curative petition is the last judicial resort available for redressal of grievances in court which is normally decided by judges in-chamber. In rare cases, such petitions are given an open court hearing.
The bench also said it would examine the Fundamental Right to life and sexual freedom.
'We have created an enemy we can't even see and that enemy is entertaining us while tightening the noose around our necks.' 'As the radiation increases, it will affect everything -- from your little bumble bee to plants to every living cell.' 'By the time the effects are understood, it might be too late.'
'I believe politics was imposed on it by the censor board, when it gave the film's trailer an A certificate, hoping to deny children, teenagers the opportunity to watch it during prime time television shows,' says Aseem Chhabra.
How a mother's search for a suitable boy gained global coverage.
'I salute Dixit and Qureshi for playing roles that are not in line with what mainstream Bollywood expects of its female stars,' says Aseem Chhabra, noting how Dedh Ishqiya makes important points in the most nuanced way.
Aseem Chhabra is impressed by Rima Das's Bulbul Can Sing, Ritesh Batra's Photograph and eight other outstanding films.
Sukanya Verma recaps all the action at this year's MAMI.
How do you translate a first love into a profession? How do you become a writer once you set your heart on it? Susmita Bhattacharya, who once worked as a graphic designer in Mumbai, now teaches the basics of English to newcomers to Britain and is also a creative writing tutor. Her first novel The Normal State of Mind was published earlier this year after a grim battle with cancer.
'I can't talk to the media about why Anurag and I split because it would be like writing an entire book to understand and do justice to it,' Kalki Koechlin tells Sonil Dedhia.
