Yashashri Masurkar plays a homosexual character in Nishabd.

Yashashri Masurkar to play an interesting part in an upcoming series titled Nishabd that will be aired on the new OTT channel Atrangi. She is a part of the episodes based on the LGBT community. Nishabd is being produced and co-directed by Mitu.

“I have been reading and educating myself on LGBTIQA+ for the last couple of years. There are many stories that needed to be told hence I was very excited to be a part of this narrative. And, no I had no inhibition in doing this role,” she says.

Talking about working with Mitu, who also runs her own YouTube channel Positive Thinkerz, and the special bond they share, the actor adds, “We even shot for a pilot a few years back and when I met the director Arshima Thapar I was really impressed to see a fellow woman who wanted to change the way we represent women in society. It was a delight to work with someone who knows and understands the craft and is passionate about it,” she adds.

June is considered the pride month. Ask if she feels the series is more relevant now and the actor says, “Pride month or not. These are stories of normal people who are being ignored or sidelined and these stories need to be told. I feel it is everyone’s right to have their own sexual preferences and there’s nothing wrong in it. And, if we don’t talk about it, how are we supposed to know and understand these issues? When I was finalised for this project I learnt that many actors refused to play a homosexual character and that raises a pertinent question- are we being homophobic?  I personally believe it’s time to be inclusive and empathetic towards everyone. Talking, discussing and bringing it into your art is the way to educate people.”

A generational shift is happening in terms of stories, presentation and programming on TV. In fact, it is being said that this is the first time a series like this is being made on the tube.

“I am so proud to be part of this new wave. TV has been stagnant for the longest time. We still watch the same old drama, planning- plotting which is not relatable anymore. We need real stories, we need this change,” she adds.