Bollywood is no stranger to rumors, and when it comes to the personal lives of celebrities, speculation runs wild. While the Indian film industry has become more open to LGBTQ+ representation on screen, many stars have chosen to keep their personal lives private. Over the years, several Bollywood celebrities have been rumored to be part of the LGBTQ+ community, but very few have openly addressed the topic.
Here’s a look at some Bollywood celebrities who have been linked to LGBTQ+ rumors over the years.
1. Karan Johar
- One of Bollywood’s most powerful filmmakers, Karan Johar has often been at the center of speculation regarding his sexual orientation.
- In his autobiography An Unsuitable Boy, he subtly hinted at it without a direct confirmation, stating, “Everybody knows what my sexual orientation is.”
- While he has never publicly come out, Karan has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in India.
2. Manish Malhotra
- Bollywood’s top fashion designer, Manish Malhotra, has been linked to several actors and industry personalities.
- His close friendship with Karan Johar has often sparked rumors, but he has never addressed them publicly.
- He remains a private person when it comes to his personal relationships.
3. Rohit Bal
- A renowned fashion designer, Rohit Bal has often spoken about beauty and love in a gender-fluid manner.
- He has hinted at his attraction to both men and women in interviews.
- Although he has never explicitly labeled his orientation, his openness has made him a significant LGBTQ+ figure in the Indian fashion industry.
4. Apurva Asrani
- Unlike many others on this list, screenwriter Apurva Asrani has been open about his sexual identity.
- He is known for writing Aligarh, a film based on the true story of a professor who was dismissed from his job for being gay.
- Apurva has also shared his personal struggles and his journey with his long-term partner, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in India.
5. Vikas Gupta
- A well-known television producer and Bigg Boss contestant, Vikas Gupta made headlines when he publicly revealed that he was bisexual.
- He opened up about facing discrimination in the industry and spoke about the struggles of being LGBTQ+ in Bollywood.
- Since then, he has been an active voice for LGBTQ+ representation in Indian entertainment.
6. Bobby Darling (Pakhi Sharma)
- One of Bollywood’s first openly transgender personalities, Bobby Darling has had a long and controversial career in the industry.
- She was often cast in comic roles but used her platform to advocate for transgender rights.
- Her life has been a mix of struggle and success, with her marriage and personal life frequently making headlines.
7. Sushant Divgikar
- A former Mr. Gay India, Sushant Divgikar is an actor, singer, and performer who proudly represents the LGBTQ+ community.
- His drag persona, Rani Ko-HE-Nur, has gained international recognition.
- Sushant has consistently worked toward breaking stereotypes and promoting LGBTQ+ rights in India.
8. Rahul Bose
- Known for his unconventional film choices, Rahul Bose has long been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
- His roles in films like I Am and Bombay Boys sparked speculation about his personal life.
- He has never addressed these rumors directly but continues to support LGBTQ+ causes.
9. Anupam Kher (Rumored)
- Veteran actor Anupam Kher has been linked to speculation due to his bold support for LGBTQ+ representation in cinema.
- His portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in films like Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara fueled further rumors.
- However, Kher has dismissed these speculations and remains a strong ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
10. Vikram Seth
- The celebrated author of A Suitable Boy, Vikram Seth has openly discussed his sexuality.
- He has been a strong advocate for decriminalizing homosexuality in India.
- While he is not a Bollywood actor, his work has influenced many films and discussions in the industry.
Final Thoughts
The conversation around LGBTQ+ representation in Bollywood is evolving, with more voices advocating for inclusivity and acceptance. While some celebrities have openly embraced their identities, others have chosen to keep their personal lives private. Regardless of their orientation, these individuals have contributed significantly to shaping Bollywood’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues.
What are your thoughts on LGBTQ+ representation in Bollywood? Let us know in the comments!