Filmmaker Onir Receives Gay Bombay Icon Award, Calls It 'Special, Deeply Humbling'

Indian filmmaker Onir, a National award winner has recently been facilitated with the prestigious Gay Bombay Icon Award by Gay Bombay, one of India’s most prominent LGBTQ+ organisations. He has now expressed

his joy on the honorable win, calling the recognition 'deeply humbling'.

Onir receives Gay Bombay Icon Award

Onir is known to be India's first openly queer filmmaker bringing mainstream Indian cinema through his films, activism, and advocacy, breaking stereotypes and pushing for inclusivity both within the industry and beyond. He has now received the Gay Bombay Icon Award by Gay Bombay, a renowned LGBTQ+ organisation.

ALSO READ: 71st National Film Festival: Date, Time, Venue, Live Broadcast Of Event Celebrating Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji And Cinema Talking about the award, he expressed, “To be honoured by Gay Bombay, an organisation that has been such an integral part of India’s queer journey, is deeply humbling. When I started out as a filmmaker, I often felt alone in the industry, carrying stories that many didn’t want to hear, and faced resistance for being unapologetically myself. Over the years, it has been the community, our solidarity, and the courage of countless queer individuals that has given me strength to keep going. This award is not just about me, but about all of us who continue to dream of a society where our stories are not silenced, where our identities are not questioned, and where love and dignity are non-negotiable. To receive this honour in Mumbai, the city that gave me both a home and a voice, makes it all the more special.”Apart from this, the 71st National Film Festival Award ceremony is scheduled for September 23 (today) at 4 pm at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu will present the awards, while honouring the artists in films released in 2023. Audience can watch the ceremony live on YouTube via the official DD News Channel, with the broadcast beginning at 3 p.m.