Emraan Hashmi: Our unorthodox society feel people in same sex relationships are diseased – CB exclusive

India may have been independent for more than 70 years now, but the customs and thoughts of a majority of the people are still archaic. Love and love-marriages are still frowned upon, lust is spoken about in hushed tones, while BDSM (Bondage, domination, sadism, and masochism) is considered complete taboo and not spoken of at all. Same sex relationships are also not accepted, irrespective of any Supreme Court decisions. But, amongst forward and liberal thinking individuals, Emraan Hashmi’s name ranks high. The Why Cheat India actor talks to CineBlitz about how our society will never understand the concept of BDSM and same-sex relationships.

What is love according to you?

Love is a verb, a very active verb that requires you to do things. The definition of love certainly has some objectivity from person to person. But it’s a necessity too, and it makes people think that they cannot survive without it. Or you can survive, but you won’t have a very fruitful life.

Why do you think BDSM is still considered taboo in India?

I think it is because of the orthodox society that we live in. In our society, these things are spoken about in hushed tones. We kind of whisper these things. In fact, it is blasphemous to even bring these things up. I don’t know if its hypocrisy or just a cultural thing. I think it is a cultural thing and we haven’t gotten out of our shells, and gone out there and spoken about such things. That is what it is!

What is your take on same-sex relationships? And why do you think they are not accepted in India?

The law legalising same-sex relationships has been passed, but again, it is a cultural thing not to accept it. People think sirf ek ladka aur ladki hi pyaar kar sakte hai (only a guy and a girl can love each other). Do ladke aur do ladkiyaan waisi mohabbat nahin kar sakte (two guys or two girls cannot share the same kind of love). That’s the attitude people have in our society. Same sex relationships are not accepted, they are seen as diseased people. In fact, the people in same-sex relationships are seen in a bad light.

Actually, a lot of people don’t know what it is, they feel you have been corrupted, society calls you corrupted. But they don’t know that you are born that way, that’s a preference you have. It has something to do with your brain and how your brain functions, they don’t know the scientific side of it. And they just shun everything they don’t understand. It’s sad!

While Emraan Hashmi seems disappointed by the state of the Indian society, we feel people and their thoughts are changing. Slowly, but surely. We hope India changes and all kinds of love and relationships are accepted. After all, love has no boundaries, does it?