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Bomgay is a 1996 Indian anthology film directed by Riyad Vinci Wadia and Jangu Sethna, consisting of six segments based on poems by R. Raj Rao. The film features a cast including Rahul Bose and Kushal Punjabi and is recognized as India's first gay film. It includes a notable gay sex scene set in a library, which was filmed under the pretense of making a public service film on ragging to avoid scrutiny from authorities.
The production faced challenges in securing funding due to the sensitive subject matter. Wadia initially struggled to find support within the gay community, as many were concerned about being outed. Instead, he turned to friends in the Bombay advertising industry for assistance. The film was shot on a limited budget of Rs. 500,000 and was not released commercially in India, as Wadia chose not to submit it to the Censor Board, anticipating a refusal for certification.
Why Watch
- •See India's first gay film, Bomgay.
- •Meet cast members like Rahul Bose and Kushal Punjabi.
- •Find out about the challenges of filming in 1990s India.
Did You Know
•Bomgay is often regarded as India's first gay film.
•The film was made on a budget of Rs. 500,000.
•It consists of six segments, each based on a poem by R. Raj Rao.
•The crew filmed a gay sex scene by pretending to make a public service film.
•Rahul Bose played the lead role as The Lefty.
Perfect For
LGBTQ+ cinema fansIndian film historyPoetry enthusiasts