Couple of things

Interestingly,the award was handed out by the other halves of the two men — actors Rai and Bipasha Basu,who giggled like school girls over their men being called a ‘couple’,insisting they “don’t mind at all”. “It’s an unexpected award to get,and it feels a bit strange. But I am glad to be here to receive the award,and I do miss Abhishek,especially his chest hair,” joked Abraham,stroking Sajid Khan’s shaved chest,inciting hoots of laughter. Amidst ribald jokes made by hosts Sajid Khan and Shreyas Talpade,much of the evening was painted pink. The two hosts vied for Abraham’s attention,Khan dressed in his yellow trunks for a bit,and the hosts even made a few presentations dressed in drag. And yes,it could’ve been cheesy but it actually was a lot of fun.

Perhaps it’s light hearted banter but nevertheless makes one wonder,is this the tip of the iceberg? Are things really changing in Bollywood?

“It is an achievement that a film like Dostana is redefining what couple-hood means,” says Malini Dabbas who works in the non-profit sector on issues of health,gender and sexuality.

Vikram of Gay Bombay,a self-funded organisation,says Dostana is an exception but may not be the rule. “One will always have to deal with stereotypes. It’s the spirit in which Dostana was done that is inspiring. Not only did it take up the subject but that it did it so well. I do not expect Bollywood to a Brokeback Mountain but this comedy was not malicious,” says Vikram.

“Bollywood has to go to catch up with the prevailing discourses on alternate sexuality,however,they’ve made a good start with Fire,and now Dostana,” says gay activist Lesley Esteves,who also believes even though the film invited people to poke fun at stereotypes of gay men,it managed to do so without offending many gay people. “I’m thrilled that Abhishek and John won the best couple,and the style with which the award was bestowed on them was even more exciting. I would love to see two women bag the award someday soon.”

One cannot assume applause at an award function translates into a gay revolution—yet it’s a small step in a homophobic society.