A lesbian love story in a Hindi music video for the first time

Tarsame Mittal, who manages a bevvy of famous singers, presents India's first music video which beautifully depicts the love story between two women. Tarsame echoes the sentiment "Love is unconditional" while talking about the video, which is being discussed widely since its launch last week.  

For a video which features new faces as well as a new singer, it is no small feat to have received almost 10 lakh views in just ten days. What's even more pleasantly surprising is the positive response the lesbian love story has been getting. 

Naturally, in a society still not open to homosexuality, some naysayers are bound to make appearances. So why did the makers take this route? "Debutant singer Akshay Khot's song is a beautiful romantic melody. But there is no shortage of romantic music videos today. So we thought, why not make it thought-provoking? That's when we came up with this concept," explains Tarsame. 

In 2014, Celina Jaitley's remix of the iconic Bollywood song 'Uthe Sabke Kadam' titled The Welcome depicted a gay relationship. "Our song Tere Bagair is the first of its kind to show a lesbian love story," says Tarsame. Previously, Sonam Kapoor's love story Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga is the only other open depiction of a lesbian love story in the Indian popular culture. 

Tarsame believes that a real change will only come w

hen

hen society accepts that all love is love. "In our video, the two women are in love with each other and share a healthy functional relationship. But what happens at the end is what we need to stop normalising," explains Tarsame.

Ideally, songs and videos are promoted before the launch. But this reverse approach has a solid reason. "We wanted to see how people react to the video first. It is being loved and appreciated although everyone involved is new, actors Moumita Pal and Sofia, and singer Akshay Khot. Now that the song is getting so much love, we want to talk about it," elaborates Tarsame. 

The video features a kissing scene between the two women, a controversial move some may argue. "On one hand we're talking about normalising homosexuality. And on the other hand, we're questioning a kissing scene. Especially in the post-OTT era, where everything gets a pass." 

Controversial murmurs gradually come to the fore when something out of the ordinary is represented. "I will reiterate as many times as is necessary. Change comes from acceptance. And every real change takes time. Instead of criticism, I welcome an open dialogue. If our video can open the stage for an open-minded discussion as opposed to a hateful dismissal, then I believe that it has won," concludes Tarsame. 

Bhushan Kumar and Sandeep Reddy Vanga announce their next film ‘ANIMAL’ with Ranbir Kapoor

 While the Indian film industry is stepping up and starting shoots of their film projects, theatres have also opened up for new releases. 

One of the top production houses in India which has rolled their projects during these tough times of the year is Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series who now announces their new film with the sensational director Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Starring superstar Ranbir Kapoor, the film marks Sandeep and Ranbir’s first association together.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Bhushan Kumar and Murad Khetani, who last worked together on 2019’s box office and musical block buster hit Kabir Singh, are back together for their next with Ranbir Kapoor titled ANIMAL. 

Starting 2021 with a bang for the makers of this ‘Crime Drama’ film as they unveiled the title of the film with a superb BGM by Harshavardhan Rameshwar just as the world celebrated the onset of a new year.  

The title announcement video with Ranbir’s voice gives a glimpse of what to expect from the film. Joining Ranbir Kapoor in ANIMAL are debonair Anil Kapoor, stunning Bobby Deol and talented Parineeti Chopra. 

Sandeep shares, “I’m very happy to associate with Bhushanji and T-Series family along with my home production Bhadrakali Pictures headed by my brother Pranay Reddy Vanga. I’m very excited to call Action & cut on Ranbir Kapoor. The exemplary Anil Sir, Bobby Ji and sprightly Parineeti will be adding so much to the film.”

Talking about the film, Ranbir Kapoor shares, "During the pandemic we all got some time to introspect and choose films that are close to our hearts. So when Sandeep narrated the story, I grew close to the character and was immediately keen on doing the role. I'm a huge admirer of both of his movies and really looking forward to our creative collaboration. Bhushan sir is one of the producers who is backing strong content entertaining cinema and his immense knowledge of music will be seen in Animal. I am so grateful to work with such a great ensemble cast, I can’t wait to start shoot for Animal.".

Bringing together all the pieces to mount this big film, Bhushan Kumar says, “While working and seeing his passion for filmmaking, I knew I had to work with Sandeep again. When he narrated the script of Animal I knew we had a winner. Ranbir fits the role to the T. With his process of working on every character he plays will just uplift his role and add so much to the film. I am grateful to both Anilji and Parineeti, with whom I am working again, that they agreed to complete this power-packed cast.”

Murad Khetani concludes, “Animal is a film that is very close to all of us because of its concept and the way Sandeep will be treating it will be beautiful. Associating with Bhushanji and Sandeep is a smooth sail and I am grateful Ranbir, Anilji and Parineeti instantly came on board for this story. We can’t wait for the audience to experience it. ”

The dialogues of the film are being penned by ace writers Siddharth - Garima who were part of the successful Kabir Singh team. 

Animal is directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and produced by Bhushan Kumar & Krishan Kumar’s T-Series, Pranay Reddy Vanga’s Bhadrakali Pictures & Murad Khetani’s Cine1Studios.