Manoj Bajpayee is one of the few popular actors in India who have dared to step-in the shoes of a popular gay character in a sensible depiction of the subject.
His critically acclaimed gem-of-a-movie, ‘Aligarh’ – which ‘came out’ in the year 2016, featured him playing the role of a gay professor who was humiliated for his sexuality after a conspiracy-driven sex-scandal forced him out of the closet.
As the Supreme Court’s verdict decriminalizing consensual gay-sex by toning down section 377 was declared this past week, Manoj – who’s been pretty vocal about the cause, especially since the release of his movie, spoke on the subject in detail and reflected back on his realization of the hardships often faced by LGBTQ people.
“When I played the homosexual professor Ramchandra Siras in ‘Aligarh’, I realised what true loneliness is,” Manoj said.
Here is what the celebrated actor said on SC’s verdict:
I feel the Supreme Court verdict is a triumph for all discriminated and persecuted people of our country — whether it is segregation on the basis of sexual orientation, or gender, or caste or economical condition.
‘Aligarh’ – which was directed by critically acclaimed filmmaker, Hansal Mehta – depicted the profound true-story of Aligarh Muslim University’s professor, Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras – who was wrongfully outed by some unknown intruders who filmed him getting intimate with another man in his house; eventually leading to the abrupt termination of his services in the university and a tragic end to his life.
Manoj also threw some light on the tragic demise of the professor, and said how things may have ended differently if the law was altered during his time.
“We all need the law and the government to support the weaker sections. If the professor in ‘Aligarh’ were alive today, he wouldn’t have to die.”
He further stated:
“I felt the man’s isolation, his need for companionship more than sex. All our friends in the LGBT community need our help and support. This Supreme Court verdict is one major step in normalizing the status of gay people. But we are a long way off from giving them their due rights.”
Spoken like a true champion of LGBTQ rights! Way to go Mr Bajpayee.