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Shakti: Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki is a popular Indian television show that premiered in 2016. The show has been praised for its depiction of LGBTQ characters and their struggles in Indian society. In this article, we will explore the history of LGBTQ representation in Indian television and how Shakti has made a significant impact.
India has a complex relationship with the LGBTQ community. Although homosexuality was decriminalized in 2018, social acceptance is still a challenge. Television has played a significant role in shaping the attitudes of the Indian public towards the LGBTQ community. However, for a long time, Indian television shied away from portraying LGBTQ characters. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that shows like Bombay Talking and Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin featured gay characters, but these characters were often stereotyped and reduced to comic relief.
It wasn’t until the late 2000s that Indian television began to feature LGBTQ characters in a more nuanced way. In 2008, the popular show Dostana depicted two straight men pretending to be gay to rent an apartment, leading to comedic situations. However, the film was criticized for perpetuating stereotypes and not featuring any actual LGBTQ characters.
It wasn’t until 2010 that Indian television had its first openly gay character in the show Rishta.com. The character, played by actor Vishal Gandhi, was not a stereotypical portrayal and was praised for his relatability. However, the show was short-lived and didn’t have a significant impact on the Indian public’s attitude towards the LGBTQ community.
Fast forward to 2016, and Shakti: Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki premiered on Colors TV. The show revolves around the story of a transgender woman, Saumya, played by actress Rubina Dilaik, and her struggles to gain acceptance from her family and society. The show has been praised for its realistic portrayal of LGBTQ issues, breaking stereotypes and starting a conversation about the community.
Shakti was groundbreaking in its portrayal of LGBTQ characters, and it wasn’t just Saumya’s character that was groundbreaking. The show also featured other LGBTQ characters, including a lesbian couple and a gay man, and portrayed their stories with sensitivity and empathy.
The show’s popularity is evidence of its success in starting a conversation about the LGBTQ community in India. Shakti has been praised for its impact in changing the attitudes of the Indian public towards the community. The show’s creators have been lauded for their efforts in making LGBTQ characters more relatable and humanizing them, instead of reducing them to stereotypes.
Shakti has been nominated and won multiple awards for its groundbreaking portrayal of LGBTQ characters. The show has also been praised for its strong performances and writing, which have been instrumental in its success.
In conclusion, Shakti: Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki has made significant strides in LGBTQ representation in Indian television. The show has broken stereotypes and portrayed LGBTQ characters in a more nuanced and relatable way. While there is still a long way to go in the fight for LGBTQ rights in India, shows like Shakti are leading the way in changing the attitudes of the Indian public towards the community. As the show continues to push the boundaries of Indian television, it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the country’s LGBTQ community.
