11th June 2023, Mumbai: Nikhil Nanda, an entrepreneur who has ventured into filmmaking and acting, shares his perspective on the awareness and acceptance of the LGBTQ community. While acknowledging the films like “Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga,” “Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan,” and the rise of LGBTQ-themed content on OTT platforms, Nikhil believes that they fall short in achieving the intended impact.
According to Nikhil, the movies made on this subject have a specific objective and a commercial angle, but they fail to foster genuine sensitivity towards LGBTQ relationships. He emphasizes that while awareness has increased, true acceptance seems to be limited to mere lip service. Nikhil believes that the level of sensitization needs to be much higher to bring about significant change.In discussing Indian society, Nikhil highlights its historical inclusiveness. He points out that Indian culture and religion have traditionally been protective and accepting of the LGBTQ community, even referring to instances in the Mahabharata where the Pandavas disguised themselves as women or transgender individuals during their hideout. He suggests that society should internalize these ancient values and return to their roots to foster the change that prevailed thousands of years ago.
Reflecting on the ongoing Pride month, Nikhil expresses his views on how the pride parade has become more commercially driven than a true representation of the cause. He observes that in today’s world, everything tends to revolve around commercial success, and the same applies to this campaign. While acknowledging the awareness and sensitization it brings, Nikhil believes that real change requires a deeper connection with our cultural roots.
In essence, Nikhil Nanda emphasizes the importance of moving beyond mere awareness to achieve genuine acceptance and understanding of the LGBTQ community. He urges society to reexamine its cultural heritage, which has historically embraced and protected diverse identities. For him, true change lies in going back to our roots and embracing the values that have existed for thousands of years.