Sharmila Tagore, the legendary Bollywood actress, has returned to the screen after a 13-year hiatus with her performance in the family drama Gulmohar on Disney+ Hotstar. In the movie, Sharmila plays Kusum, the widowed matriarch of the Batra household, who harbors more than one secret from her family. One of these secrets is revealed when Kusum opens up to her granddaughter about her past love affair with a woman.
The storyline of Gulmohar is a subtle portrayal of Kusum’s life and how she has sacrificed her dreams and desires for her family’s sake. The Batras are a close-knit family who gather together for one last Holi celebration before the family bungalow is sold off. As each family member goes on to pursue their own dreams and passions, Kusum realizes that she wants to live her life for herself.
Sharmila Tagore, who has played a wide range of characters in her career spanning over five decades, shared her thoughts on playing a gay character in the film. She admitted that she was initially apprehensive about taking on the role, but was pleasantly surprised by the audience’s acceptance of it. The veteran actor was glad that the film’s subtle approach to the storyline of Kusum’s affair with a woman was well received by audiences.
Directed by Rahul V Chittella, Gulmohar boasts of an impressive star cast, including Manoj Bajpayee, Simran, and Suraj Sharma. Sharmila’s performance as Kusum has garnered praise from critics and audiences alike. The actor’s nuanced portrayal of a woman who has lived her life for her family and now wants to live for herself has struck a chord with viewers.
The movie’s director, Rahul V Chittella, spoke about the film’s theme of love and acceptance. He said, “Gulmohar is a story about love, acceptance, and family. It’s a film that celebrates the idea that love comes in many forms, and we should be accepting of all kinds of love. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such a talented cast and crew, and I hope that audiences will enjoy watching the film as much as we enjoyed making it.”
Gulmohar’s storyline is a timely reminder of the importance of acceptance and love in a world that is often plagued by hatred and intolerance. Sharmila’s portrayal of a gay character in the film is a significant step towards normalizing LGBTQ+ representation in Indian cinema. The movie’s success is a testament to the fact that audiences are ready for diverse and inclusive narratives that reflect the reality of modern society.