Actor Ankit Siwach, who recently was seen in the series Kull and is gearing up for his upcoming film Madam Driver, has opened up about LGBTQ+ representation in Indian cinema. In a candid conversation, Siwach addressed the importance of portraying queer characters with empathy and realism.
Kull actor Ankit Siwach talks LGBTQ+ representation in cinema: “Change doesn’t happen overnight”
“I would like to be part of a story that is both sensible and sensitive,” he stated, emphasizing that tokenism should never be the goal. For Siwach, authenticity is crucial in bringing the lived experiences of the LGBTQ+ community to the screen. “It’s important that such stories go beyond tokenism and truly reflect the lived realities,” he added.
Siwach noted the positive shift in Indian cinema, where queer stories are no longer confined to stereotypes. “There are many examples now where films have gone beyond stereotypical portrayals and offered more layered, humanised representations,” he said. He highlighted how this evolution is crucial for validation and visibility of underrepresented communities.
On whether the greater challenge lies in breaking stereotypes on-screen or off it, the actor believes it’s both. “With awareness, empathy, and genuine understanding, an actor can bring out the nuances that help break stereotypes. But these same values also need to be reflected off-screen,” he explained.
Speaking on why conversations around LGBTQ+ issues are often considered uncomfortable in India, Siwach offered a balanced view. “India is an incredibly diverse country with deep-rooted traditions and varying belief systems. Change doesn’t happen overnight,” he said. He believes education and continued dialogue are key to bridging the gap.
Siwach also praised recent films like Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, Badhaai Do, Taali, and earlier titles like Aligarh and Kapoor & Sons for bringing queer narratives to the mainstream. “These films not only did well commercially but also sparked meaningful conversations,” he noted.
With more creators and performers joining the conversation, Siwach’s perspective is a timely reminder that visibility is not enough — respect, depth, and authenticity must follow.
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