Anupriya wasn’t making a statement in ‘lesbian ad’

Actor Anupriya Goenka recently played the role of queen Nagmati in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat, and got a lot of praise for it, too, but it was her controversial ad for a fashion brand in 2015, that brought her into the focus. While it was held as the first ever lesbian advertisement, Anupriya clarifies that it was never made with any intention to stand out.

“I was never hesitant about doing the role [in the ad]. I’ve never approached acting in those formats. I have always gone with my gut feeling. I really believe in LGBT rights. For me, that is a very normal way of living and it’s just how people are wired. There is nothing abnormal about it,” says Anupriya, adding, “At that point of time, we didn’t set out to make a statement; the idea was to send a message.”

The actor, who has been a part of films such as Dishoom (2016) and Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), says she was happy that the concept of partners gearing up to come out of the closet was received positively.

“We were really surprised that the advertisement was received so well, and I was actually overwhelmed by the response. I got messages from the community, many telling me how it helped them deal with a similar situation,” she says.

“I think, as a nation, we are ready for such content. No one trolled us or said anything negative. I think we are arriving at a stage where we can accept such relations and can be open [about it],” says the actor, who will soon be seen in a film directed by Nagesh Kukunoor.