Queer Persecution and Gender Discrimination in the Indian Biopic Aligarh

Abstract

Indian society often considers the concept of homosexuality as something ‘unnatural’ or ‘abnormal.’ Consequently, homosexuals or gay men are treated with contempt for going against the societal norms of sexual conduct. Over the past few decades, media representations, particularly Bollywood movies, have consistently tried to change this mindset. It is crucial to understand how queer identities portrayed in films either challenge or reinforce traditional gender norms. Indian cinema has witnessed a gradual shift in queer representation which reflects a societal transformation and a greater understanding of queer identities. Engaging with a host of gender and queer theorists, this paper shows how contemporary films like Aligarh move away from stereotypical portrayals to offer a more nuanced and empathetic representation of queer lives. Aligarh, directed by Hansal Mehta, is based on the real-life story of Dr. Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras, a professor who faces discrimination and persecution due to his sexual orientation. The paper probes how the professor’s quest for personal and professional respect and his struggle for dignity and acceptance in a conservative society aptly reflect the isolation and prejudice faced by homosexuals in India. The paper discusses how Mehta’s realistic and minimalistic approach towards the subject and his use of candid dialogues and naturalistic cinematography accentuate the film’s emotional impact. Moreover, the paper focuses on the violation of Siras’s privacy to explore the legal and socio-political issues surrounding homosexuality in India, including debates regarding its criminalization under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. In conclusion, the paper argues that although thought-provoking movies like Aligarh cannot modify people’s mentality in India overnight, they play a pivotal role in bringing about a gradual social change.