If someone has the patience to dig up my old posts - I've made suggestions for lesbian romances in Bollywood and Sonam has always been my number one choice to be in it. Casting aside my speculation that she herself is queer (its a bad forbidden rabbit hole).
Being a talented actor isn't always enough to deliver a good performance, especially when it comes to the portrayal of a marginalized group. You have to have empathy for the character. Someone who is not queer or passionate about LGBTQ rights will struggle. You have to be comfortable with the character. Someone who is not comfortable with their public image or sexuality will struggle. Look at how many people turned down Fawad's role in Kapoor and Sons. You have to be willing to let the creators of the character take control. Someone who wants to interpret roles and infuse themselves in it will struggle.
Sonam checks all boxes. She has always been vocal about LGBTQ rights and is willing to put her money where her mouth is. She is very comfortable with her public image and sexuality. First of all, she probably does have a thick skin from all the criticism she gets. So any flak she gets for bringing queer stories to the front will roll off. But she also seems comfortable with her sexuality. There are some people despite all their progressive views have a need to assert their gender identity or sexual orientation. They stiffen up and freak out when there is any fluidity. Sonam seems to be completely comfortable in her own skin. She is completely comfortable getting and giving attention to people of all identities and orientation.
Finally, I think what makes Sonam a bad actress is she relies 100% on the director. She does not try to interpret or imagine the role from her perspective. She delivers only what the writers and directors ask of her, no more, no less. Which is why she can stun with a performance like Neerja but be subpar in others. She needs good writers and directors to tell her exactly what to do. In this case, it is an advantage. She is not going to be an actor interpreting what a lesbian acts and feels like. The script is written by a transwoman. She is going to rely on the writer and director to tell her exactly how to depict queer emotions. It shows in the trailer. There are no femme butch stereotypes. There is zero service or titillation to the male gaze. But in just a few sequences you have the emotional trauma of knowing your different and longing for acceptance from the ones you love.
Writers Corner: Books, Stories & Poems
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