Onir
The filmmaker talks about his take on the ongoing drug controversy in Bollywood, dealing with trolls, and the importance of queer gaze
Shamayita C (BOMBAY TIMES; October 2, 2020)

Bollywood is in the eye of the storm. Being someone who was critical of the industry in the past, what are your thoughts on the current developments?
It’s sad. Despite being a rank outsider, I am living my childhood dream of becoming a filmmaker — thanks to this industry. Bollywood supports the dreams and livelihoods of many others like me. I shudder to see the industry under attack. My surroundings look so unfamiliar now. It’s become too vicious.

What do you have to say about Bollywood’s alleged drug connection?
I don’t want to take sides. Law enforcement agencies should go after the drug cartel, dig into the root of the problem and not the users. Drug users need care, not shaming.

How do you deal with trolls?
Initially, it used to give me sleepless nights. But then I saw how Bollywood women like Swara (Bhasker) and Richa (Chadha) deal with way more viciousness. Despite repeated attacks, they dare to speak up and fearlessly voice their opinions. These women inspire me to be brave and stand up against trolls.

Your film My Brother... Nikhil released in 2005.When it comes to telling LGBTQIA+ stories, do you think Bollywood has become more inclusive now?
Sadly, no. Bollywood has a long way to go before it can be called inclusive. The recent example is Shakuntala Devi. The film merely paid lip service to the same-sex relationship issue. The problem is the lack of queer gaze. Women are portrayed with dignity and grace in Meghna (Gulzar) or Zoya’s (Akhtar) films because they see their characters from a female gaze. Similarly, queer gaze is important to deal with LGBTQIA+ stories. It is not just about changing a law, our society is not ready to internalise and accept queer people. That is why it is important to go out and be proud. Since our childhood, we have grown up with heteronormativity. When a family is portrayed, it is always a father, a mother and their children. Same-sex relationships have to be normalised in our society first. We don’t need a mic to talk about our sexual orientation. We need to talk and make things normal and regular.

With Durga Puja festival taking place this month, what are your plans for it?
I’ll celebrate with my parents in Mumbai, but avoid going out much. Durga Puja is special to me. It’s about nostalgia, kashphul, new clothes, kosha mangsho, luchi and much more.