Acclaimed actress Konkona Sen Sharma has spoken candidly about the portrayal of queer identities in mainstream Hindi cinema while promoting her upcoming OTT film Accused. The actor reflected on how LGBTQIA+ characters have historically been marginalized or reduced to comic stereotypes in Bollywood narratives.
“The Default Is Often Straight, Male, Hindi-Speaking”
In a recent interaction with Just Filmy, Konkona observed that queer characters are rarely included in films unless the storyline explicitly revolves around sexuality as an “issue.”
She noted that for years, homosexuality was either excluded from mainstream storytelling or used as a source of “derogatory humour.” According to her, the industry’s storytelling framework often defaults to a narrow identity — typically straight, male, and Hindi-speaking — leaving limited space for diverse representation.
Konkona also extended the argument to other marginalized groups, pointing out that differently abled individuals are similarly underrepresented unless their condition forms the central theme of a film.
With Accused, she believes the narrative shifts away from this pattern by presenting a queer couple whose relationship is integral to the story without being treated as a social lesson.
Pratibha Ranta on Natural Representation
Co-star Pratibha Ranta, who gained recognition for her role in Laapataa Ladies, echoed Konkona’s perspective. She described Accused as adopting a “non-preachy” approach toward queer relationships.
According to Ranta, the film focuses on universal emotional themes such as trust, vulnerability, and commitment rather than centering exclusively on the struggle of being queer. She emphasized that the situations depicted feel realistic and grounded, contributing to a more organic portrayal.
About Accused
Directed by Anubhuti Kashyap, Accused follows Geetika, played by Konkona Sen Sharma, a successful surgeon based in London. She lives with her partner Meera, portrayed by Pratibha Ranta, who is also a doctor.
The couple’s life takes an unexpected turn as they prepare to adopt a child. Their stability is disrupted when Geetika faces allegations of sexual harassment at her workplace. As scrutiny intensifies, the story explores professional consequences and emotional strain within their relationship, viewed through a queer lens.
The film is produced by Karan Johar’s banner Dharmatic Entertainment and written by Sima Agarwal and Yash Keswani. It is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on February 27, 2026.
Changing the Narrative
Konkona’s remarks add to ongoing conversations about inclusivity in Indian cinema. As streaming platforms expand storytelling possibilities, films like Accused aim to normalize queer relationships without framing them solely through conflict or caricature.
Her observations underline a broader industry shift — one that seeks to move beyond stereotypes and embrace representation that reflects lived realities.
