UN Goes Bollywood for Gay Rights

The United Nations Human Rights Office unveiled its latest weapon in the fight against homophobia: a Bollywood-style video called “The Welcome.” The two-and-a-half-minute clip features two handsome heroes dressed in many shades of velvet on the eve of their unorthodox nuptial celebrations. But will daadi-ma approve? You’ll have to watch and find out!

The video is the attempt by the UN Free & Equal campaign to challenge negative stereotypes of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people around the world. Its also their first big effort to reach out to South Asian audiences. Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly, the goodwill ambassador of United Nations’ Free and Equal Campaign, plays leading lady while giving the boys the center stage and daadi-ma a little coaxing to provide her blessings. In a recent interview, Celina notes, “This is the first ever United Nations endeavour for a Bollywood styled campaign. It was for a cause. I have sung and starred in the video and it is a beautiful story for LGBT issues.”