Indian LGBTQ Films

Deepa Mehta's 1996 film 'Fire' broke new ground by presenting a love story between two women, played by Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das.

Hansal Mehta's 2015 film 'Aligarh' won the National Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi for its sensitive portrayal of the life of Professor Siras, a gay man played by Manoj Bajpayee.

Deepa Mehta's 'Fire' faced a ban in India due to its portrayal of a lesbian relationship, but was later cleared for release with cuts.

Shonali Bose's 2014 film 'Margarita with a Straw' tells the story of Laila, a young woman with cerebral palsy who falls in love with a blind musician.

Shelly Chopra Dhar's 2019 film 'Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga' features a love story between Sweety, a closeted lesbian, and Kuhu, a transgender woman.

Harshavardhan Kulkarni's 2022 film 'Badhaai Do' tells the story of Shardul and Rimjhim, a gay man and a lesbian woman who enter into a lavender marriage to appease their families.

Hansal Mehta's 'Aligarh' is based on the true story of Professor Siras, a gay man who was fired from his job at Aligarh Muslim University.

Deepa Mehta's 'Fire' tells the story of Radha and Sita, two women who fall in love despite societal expectations and familial pressures.

Onir's 2005 film 'My Brother Nikhil' tells the story of Nikhil, a young gay man who comes to terms with his sexuality and faces societal challenges.

Shonali Bose's 'Margarita with a Straw' features a transgender character named Tara, who is a sex worker and a friend of Laila.

Onir's 'My Brother Nikhil' also features a subplot involving Nikhil's relationship with Anamika, a straight woman who is his best friend.

Hansal Mehta's 'Aligarh' features a gay couple, Deepu and Aman, who are activists fighting for LGBTQ+ rights.

Shonali Bose's 'Margarita with a Straw' features a bisexual character named Khanum, who is in a relationship with Laila.

Shonali Bose's 'Margarita with a Straw' features a transgender character named Dr. Swati, who is Laila's doctor.

Deepa Mehta's 'Fire' features a subplot involving the relationship between Radha and Jatin, a gay man who is her husband's brother.