Rice Radio: Yuvraaj Parashar and Kapil Sharma Talk About their Controversial “Gay” Role in an Indian Film

RICE RADIO1

HOUSTON: India’s controversial gay film Dunno Y Na Jaane Kyon was acclaimed around the world and received mixed reaction among Indian audience. This film represented India at the recent Q Fest held at Rice Cinema in collaboration with Rice University’s Department of Visual and Dramatic Arts. Rice radio welcomed the film’s lead actors Yuvraaj Parashar and Kapil Sharma traveling from India.

The lead actors Yuvraaj Parashar thanked Varsha for an awesome interview and Kapil Sharma praised her by stating “one of the best interviews” that was conducted. Varsha presented a friendly ambiance where both the actors felt at ease to share some of their personal turmoil during the making as well the release of this controversial film in India.

Kapil Sharma in his meek style disclosed the kissing scene to be one of the challenges since the director of the film Sanjay Sharma was his older brother. Kapil hails from an established family of film directors and producers; but what sets Kapil apart from others in his family is his talent as an actor and as a story writer.

Both the actors traveled to several countries and also received awards for their performance in this film. These successes were necessary especially for Yuvraaj who was in dire need to prove to his family who disowned him for accepting a controversial role in this film. He desperately wanted to prove to them and to others who mocked him that as a talented artist his performance in a challenging role was important for this competitive career.

Yuvraaj and Kapil both believe that Dunno Y Na Jaane Kyon may help Indian gay men to deal with the issues they face at different levels. Kapil Sharma urges not only gay men but everybody to see the film not only to decipher the needs and embarrassment gay men face but to also be considerate to the social issues they encounter.

KTRU’s Navrang show director Varsha Vakil is recognized among Houstonians as the champion of Indian arts; she conveys great respect for artists from South Asia and welcomes them on KTRU. Over the years Varsha has introduced many hidden gems of South Asian heritage through interviews on the Navrang show and artist profiles in Rice radio folio.  Samhita Sunya, a graduate student from Rice University presented a brief overview on the Q Fest in Houston.

Listen to KTRU on 90.1FM HD2; ktru.org; iheartradio; iphone and droid apps. Contact ktru@ktru.org for more information on the Navrang Show.