‘We were never taught about homosexuality in our younger days’

PANKHURI AWASTHY, in an interaction with Sonali Pitale Joshi, speaks about making a transition from TV to films, working with big names like Ayushmann Khurrana, Neena Gupta in a debut movie, LGBTQ community and more...

Television actress Pankhuri Awasthy is the latest entrant in Bollywood. The actress, who made her debut with Ayushmann Khurrana-starrer Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, essays an important role in the film. Speaking about her foray in the film industry, Pankhuri says she had not really thought of trying her luck in films so soon. “I have been working in the television industry for the past five years. It is true that every actor dreams of being in films. However, I had never thought it would happen so soon. I had given an audition for the film but never expected to get select.”

The film has some talented names from the film industry. Ask her how it was to work with actors like Ayushmann and Neena Gupta, she says, “It was a good opportunity for me and learnt a lot during the course of the filmming. I will cherish those moments and the things which I learnt from my co-stars forever. They were all experienced and nice.” Pankhuri believes the portrayal of LGBTQ characters in films has changed over the years. “There was a time when such characters were made fun of or were shown in a caricaturish way. It is completely normal for a man to have feelings for a man and for a woman to have feelings for another woman. The basic problem is we are not taught about it. But, today’s kids are smart and have knowledge about everything.

Unfortunately, this was not the case a decade or so ago. We were never introduced to such personalities and that’s why we did not know how to deal with it. We were homophobic. However, things are changing. Our film too is telling this story in a light-hearted way and will surely make an impact.”

Pankhuri says she has heard a lot LGBTQ stories but the could not come out because of parental pressure. “I have heard stories where the girls or guys could not come out because they did not know how their families would react. I think society was the major reason why people did not speak about it. Earlier the legal act was also against them and it was considered a crime so that was another reason why they could not openly accept these relationships.”

When Pankhuri got selected for the movie, she was shooting for the popular television show Yeh

Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. Talking about her busy schedule she says, “I am not in the show anymore. It was difficult to juggle between the show and the film. We shot in Banaras for a month and after coming here I was shooting for a film in the night and for the show in the morning. Major difference between working in two mediums was that in films you can shoot for twothree scenes in a day while in TV you have to shoot for 10 scenes a day as there is always an issue of telecast. However, I am comfortable in all mediums and would want to continue acting no matter whether it is in film, TV or OTT platform.”

The actress is married to popular television actor Gautam Rode. When asked how important it is to have an understanding partner she says, “Since Gautam belongs to this industry, he knows how hectic it becomes. There was a time when I was not at home for a month and even after coming back I could spend only couple of hours at home. So he would take care of the entire house and I did not have to look after anything. After a tiring shoot, you just want to crash in your bed or want to be left alone...he would understand that too. Sometimes he would arrange for my meals before I come home.

So it was nice to have such a partner and a supportive family.”