Ayushmann Khurrana has established himself as an actor who takes up challenging and unconventional roles, and plays them with aplomb. In a Bollywood career spanning 8 years, he has played a wide range of roles from that of a sperm donor to a bald man dealing with social stigma and body-shaming. Now, along with Jitendra Kumar, he’s playing the lead in the upcoming film Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan. In the movie, he plays the role of a gay man who fights the rampant homophobia in Indian society to be with the love of his life.

In a recent interview, while speaking about his role and homosexuality in India, Khurrana said, “We are really proud that we’re supporting the community. Our country is very progressive that it legalised same-sex marriages.”

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On September 6, 2018, the Supreme Court of India decriminalised Section 377. The court ruled that criminalising sexual acts bewteen consenting adults violated their right to equality, which is protected by the Constitution of India. A portion of the judgement read, “The choice of whom to partner, the ability to find fulfilment in sexual intimacies and the right not to be subjected to discriminatory behaviour are intrinsic to the constitutional protection of sexual orientation.” This, however, didn’t legalise same-sex marriage, which is a battle the LGBTQIA+ community is constantly fighting. Same-sex couples aren’t legally recognised in India, which strips them of all the basic rights affored to heterosexual couples. Khurrana’s ignorant remark didn’t go ignored, and he was called out on social media for not doing enough research.

What is there for a straight dude to open up? And why is he opening up about it all inaccurate? I can’t even imagine how frustrating something like this is to watch for someone from the lgbtq community. Bare minimum kuda chadivi raara interview ki?https://t.co/N68Pr7H2nt — Keerthana. (@populapette) January 28, 2020





No doubt that he is a versatile actor. But this is what happens when you made a cis hetero man plays a role of gay or any LGBTQ community role for fame without knowing what things are

PS: SAME SEX MARRIAGE IS NOT LEGALIZED IN INDIA@ayushmannkhttps://t.co/d26hTnvMj0 — Pamheiba Rajkumar (@pamheibar37) January 28, 2020

So who's gonna tell him? https://t.co/WMB1QmewHg — Harsimran Gill (@bikkigill) January 28, 2020

Even faster than Kerala high court. Happens when cis plays Queer roles,my struggles for monetary benefits https://t.co/sbYkl2Oj6k — urbanomed🏳️‍🌈 (@udhan_khatola) January 28, 2020

Unfortunately, he is not the only straight person to be entirely clueless and think that decriminalization = marriage equality. https://t.co/1X9Jg9KKbb — 🐴🐵 #RedForKashmir (@Subhashitani1) January 28, 2020





While Khurrana is definitely brave in taking up varied roles, it can’t be denied that his lack of research and ignorance is hurtful. In an ideal situation, the roles should have gone to the queer community because we need to have diversity on screen and representation matters. However, Bollywood is known for capitalising on social movements and gender-based subjects through mainstream movies. Khurrana has apologised for his comment and called it ‘a genuine slip’.

A genuine slip here though I really wish same-sex marriages get legal in India 🙏🏽 https://t.co/4NmPGMedx5 — Ayushmann Zyada Khurrana (@ayushmannk) January 28, 2020

This isn’t the first time a Bollywood actor has slipped in their understanding of the subjects of their movies, and their roles. Recently, Deepika Padukone was criticised for turning her character Malti’s look, from Chhapaak, into a TikTok challenge. In the viral video, Padukone can be seen telling makeup artist Faby to recreate three of her favourite looks from Om Shanti Om, Piku, and Chhapaak.

And just when we thought that @deepikapadukone couldn’t mock Lakshmi anymore through her PR stunts in JNU she comes up with tick tok challenge on acid attack victims. Gross. pic.twitter.com/077Uz7hcEg — Adv Smokiee (@SmokingSkills_) January 18, 2020

The actor was heavily criticised for reducing the harsh and painful reality of acid attack victims to a makeup look as part of a promotional strategy.

Honestly expected @deepikapadukone who has been through her own mental breakdowns to be more sensitive. But clearly..no.

You do a movie on a acid attack victim, cry in every other promotional event n now this below the belt challenge where a acid attack face is her fav! https://t.co/dwqqwDuD2q — Maya (@Sharanyashettyy) January 18, 2020





No @deepikapadukone.This promo isn't cool or cute. It's insensitive & ghastly.

The movie wasn't about you & your make up. It was about a woman scarred for life.And victims like her,whose marks can't be wiped off,unlike your make up.



You lost the plot,alas. https://t.co/9Zt8XEmSqI — Smita Barooah (@smitabarooah) January 18, 2020

It’s time Bollywood actors and creators realised that their jobs don’t end by making a film on sensitive subjects. They need to be fully aware of the topics they are dealing with, conduct complete research, speak to the people and the communities they are representing, and be cognizant of their statements and actions. Then, and only then, will their ‘wokeness’ make a difference to the world.

Social and lead image credit: Instagram/ayushmannk