Queer narratives have finally started claiming space on OTT, with Indian and international platforms slowly but surely offering room for identities beyond binaries and boxes. From quiet coming-out arcs to full-blown romantic leads, LGBTQ+ characters are no longer just side plots; they ARE the plot. Here’s a rundown of some standout Indian and global shows that have done justice to queer storytelling. Indian OTT shows that got it right Made in Heaven In Made in Heaven (2019–2023), Arjun Mathur plays Karan Mehra, a gay wedding planner from Delhi whose sexuality is handled with nuance. The show covers everything from family rejection to self-acceptance. Season 2 also introduced Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju as Meher, a trans woman navigating corporate and personal challenges with quiet power. Together, they represent queer life that is still messy, brave, and hopeful. The Married Woman The Married Woman (2021) features Ridhi Dogra as Astha, who seems to have the perfect family life until her connection with artist Peeplika (Monica Dogra) awakens something deeper. The show reflects how queerness can quietly rewrite who you are without unnecessary drama. Four More Shots Please! In Four More Shots Please! (2019–2020), Bani J’s Umang is a queer fitness trainer balancing life, career, and a high-profile romance with a Bollywood actress. Her sexuality is fluid and well-represented without tokenism. Romil & Jugal Romil & Jugal (2017) offer a gay take on Romeo and Juliet. With Rajeev and Manraj as the star-crossed lovers, the show brings queer romance into the mainstream with sweet, desi, and progressive storytelling. His Storyy His Storyy (2021) explores what happens when a married man comes out. Satyadeep Misra plays the man who reveals his truth to his wife and society, while Mrinal Dutt plays his partner. It is a story of guilt, love, and freedom tangled in reality. The Other Love Story The Other Love Story (2016) is quiet and nostalgic. Set in the late '90s, it follows two girls, played by Shweta and Spoorthi, who fall in love before smartphones and safe spaces were common. It’s slow, honest, and beautifully authentic. Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele (2021) is about a gay man and a lesbian woman on a road trip. Played by Anshuman and Zareen, the film explores friendship and solidarity without forcing romance. Rainbow Rishta Rainbow Rishta (2023) is a docuseries letting real queer voices tell their stories with no filters or fluff. Featuring Trinetra among others, it’s a reminder that queer love exists in many forms. Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo- Isha Talwar as Bijli In Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo (2023), Isha Talwar plays Bijli, a queer character with unapologetic swag and softness. She’s part of a crime family led by badass women, and her identity is just one part of a complex character. Global Shows that portrayed queerness flawlessly Heartstopper Heartstopper (2022–) is everything young queer love should be: joyful, awkward, and real. Joe Locke and Kit Connor play Charlie and Nick, whose story of friends becoming something more takes place against the backdrop of school and self-discovery. The Bisexual The Bisexual (2018) follows Leila, played by Desiree Akhavan, as she figures out her bisexual identity after years of dating women. The show is raw, funny, and unapologetic about exploring sexuality beyond neat boxes. What It Feels Like for a Girl What It Feels Like for a Girl (2025) is based on the life of Paris Lees, a trans writer growing up in working-class England. Ellis Howard plays Byron, her younger self, in a BBC series that is part gender diary, part punk anthem, and full of heart. The Lake The Lake (2022) stars Jordan Gavaris as Justin, a gay man reconnecting with the daughter he gave up for adoption. The show mixes family drama and queer love with sweetness and intelligence. The Ultimatum: Queer Love The Ultimatum: Queer Love (2023–) is reality TV with all the tension and heart you expect, but with full queer representation. Lesbian and non-binary couples face relationship make-or-break moments, making it chaotic and healing to watch.
03 June,2025 05:35 PM IST | MumbaiVeteran actor Pankaj Tripathi, known for his standout performances in OMG 2 and Stree, takes the lead in the gripping legal drama Criminal Justice: A Family Matter. The series first premiered on JioHotstar in 2019 and has captivated audiences ever since. The latest season, Season 4, is currently streaming with new episodes dropping every Thursday. Often described as the Indian version of Suits with a quintessential Bollywood twist, the show blends legal suspense with emotional depth. Tripathi’s portrayal of lawyer Madhav Mishra—sharp, intuitive, and grounded—has been widely praised. From Mirzapur to Criminal Justice, his ability to embody diverse characters continues to mesmerize viewers. Criminal Justice Season 4 One murder, two accused, and a three-way trial! Join Pankaj Tripathi as he dons the hat of Madhav Mishra once again as the endearing lawyer gears up for his toughest case yet in Criminal Justice - A Family Matter. Directed by Rohan Sippy, produced by Applause Entertainment in association with BBC Studios India, season 4 of this beloved legacy show is streaming on JioHotstar now. This season boasts an ensemble cast consisting of Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Surveen Chawla, Asha Negi, Khushboo Atre, Barkha Singh, Aatm Prakash Mishra, alongside Mita Vashisht and Shweta Basu Prasad in pivotal roles. In the world of storytelling, it's often the audience that determines which characters transcend the screen to become cultural icons. When viewers connect deeply with a character through their vulnerability, integrity, or sheer relatability, they don't just watch the story unfold; they emotionally invest in it. That love and adulation can redefine the trajectory of a franchise. A character originally meant for a season or two evolves into the heart of the series, as seen with Pankaj Tripathi’s Madhav Mishra in Criminal Justice. What began as an adaptation of an international format has now become a uniquely Indian narrative, anchored by a character the audience embraced wholeheartedly. It’s a powerful reminder that behind every iconic role is a sea of fans whose support turns performances into legacies. Pankaj on Criminal Justice's popularity Elaborating on the same, Pankaj Tripathi said, “Criminal Justice started as an adaptation of a British show which ideally showcased different lawyers each season, but in India, Madhav Mishra became so popular that now every season revolves around him. This reflects the character’s impact and the audience’s connection. In the latest season, just when you think you’ve figured it out, the story takes a sharp turn.”
03 June,2025 04:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSkepticism was Asha Negi’s first response when she was offered the fourth season of Criminal Justice. Reason? Her limited screen time. “But when I read the scenes, I realised there is so much to do. I found the character challenging and intense. People have seen me as the girl-next-door, but this character is far away from that zone,” says the actor, who plays a nurse, whose murder is at the centre of the JioHotstar series. The opportunity to be on the set with actors Pankaj Tripathi and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub was another draw for Negi. She shares, “Most of my scenes are with Zeeshan. When you’re opposite somebody so good, you are nervous and have to bring your A-game. I grew as an actor by watching him perform and sharing the screen with him. Even though I didn’t have any scenes with Pankaj sir, seeing him on set, I realised these actors are so talented, but they don’t make a fuss about being good.” Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Asha Negi in the show In the past few years, Negi has tried to build a career beyond television, where she rose to fame in the mid-2000s with shows like Bade Achhe Lagte Hain and Pavitra Rishta. She admits it’s not an easy road for actors who’ve had successful careers on the small screen. “If I were getting such meaningful roles often, you’d see me [on screen] more. TV has been a blessing because these shows made us household names and gave us popularity. But at this point, people judge us and remember us as television actors. It hampers the kind of work we want to do,” she says. But Negi knows that dwelling on the challenges will yield nothing. “I just want to keep going for auditions, and hopefully, it will help me pave my way. Things are slowly changing with Raghav Juyal, Mrunal Thakur, and Vishal Jethwa making it to films.” Popular television shows fronted by Asha Negi . Sapnon Se Bhare Naina. Bade Achhe Lagte Hain. Pavitra Rishta. Ek Mutthi Aasmaan
03 June,2025 07:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaBehind the mic is where Anusha Mani built her identity over the past 18 years, lending her voice to hits like Lehrein (Aisha), Gulaabo (Shaandaar) and Tera rasta chhodoon na (Chennai Express). But now, she has stepped out of the recording studio and into the spotlight. The singer has made her acting debut with Hai Junoon, the musical series led by Neil Nitin Mukesh and Jacqueline Fernandez. “As a singer, I never thought I would or could act. What drew me to this show primarily was that it was a musical. I auditioned during the lockdown when the makers were looking for singers who can act. Turns out, being forced to audition by my management and family really paid off,” Mani laughs. A still from Hai Junoon For the singer-turned-actor, the JioHotstar series that is centred on a talent show felt like stepping into both, the familiar and unknown. While her background in music made her understand her role of Charu, a vocal coach, being on set was a different ball game. “What was most jarring to me was the sensory overload of having so many people around — art department, sound, lights, director’s team, DoP [director of photography], writers, spot dadas, make-up and costume team. A studio environment is so contained with five to six people at best. To keep my calm and focus on my lines with so many people around was the biggest challenge,” she says, before adding that her role resonated with her. “Charu’s fight to find her voice is something people will relate to.” Switching from music to acting is a big leap, but she feels now is the right time to try new avenues. “The industry is more diverse now — musicians have avenues today to share their music without necessarily going the Bollywood route. There are shows written for actors who don’t necessarily fit into the hero-heroine template. This is the best time for artistes to break out of the norm.” Anusha Mani’s playlist . Lazy lamhe (Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic). Lehrein (Aisha). Tera rasta chhodoon na (Chennai Express). Gulaabo (Shaandaar). Thumkeshwari – Telugu version (Bhediya)
02 June,2025 07:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuTitle: LandmanCast: Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, Jacob Lofland, Michelle Randolph, Paulina Chávez, Kayla Wallace, Mark Collie, James JordanDirector/Creator: Taylor Sheridan, Christian WallaceRating: 3.5/5Episodes: 5 This oil industry melodrama set in the boom-towns of West-Texas is about fortune seekers and the world of oil rigs. The series follows roughnecks and wildcat billionaires fueling a boom that changes the geopolitics of the region.“Landman” is a potent combination of big business, family conflicts and horrific on-the-job accidents. Landman is an antihero drama replete with cursing, violence, and nudity. We’re introduced to Tommy in a vulnerable spot, being held at gunpoint by a drug cartel enforcer. Tommy, has the ability to talk himself out of the trickiest pickle and does just that. Midland-based Tommy Norris(Billy Bob Thornton) is the titular Landman, an on-the-ground oil patch manager who works for MTex Oil owned by Fort Worth businessman Monty Miller (Jon Hamm) and his wife Cami (Demi Moore). There’s plentiful drama for Tommy to deal with - he not only negotiates drilling leases with Mexican drug cartels but also does his best to see that widows of burned alive rig workers get compensation. Problems keep cropping up though. His moody college dropout son Cooper (Jacob Lofland),is working on a drilling crew with veteran wildcatters Luis (Emilio Rivera) and Armando (Michael Peña) and even has lovely Ariana (Paulina Chávez) take a shine to him. Tommy’s 17-year-old daughter Ainsley (Michelle Randolph) who visits during spring break is perpetually titillating in a bikini much to the discomfort of the other old men Dale( James Jordan) and Nathan( Colm Feore) her dad shares a company house with. Tommy’s ex, Angela(Ali Larter) who left him for a hotel magnate shows up in Midland and is determined to get Tommy back into submission. Rebecca Savage( Kayla Wallace) is the corporate shark flown in from the big city to manage the numerous actionable disasters MTex keeps suffering under the landman’s watch. The plot is a series of gritty incidents and accidents and it’s loaded with surprises. Landman is designed to intrigue and is more than likely to put a smile on your face. Taylor Sheridan returns after the super successful run of “Yellowstone” to co-create ‘Landman’ with Texas Monthly journalist Christian Wallace based on his “Boomtown” podcast. The series is a smart tragic comedy that beats the drum for fossil fuels by counter arguing in favor of the polluting enterprise. It is also an authentic gritty look at the rigors of oil production and the lifestyles of the wealthy thereof. The plots and characters may feel awfully thin, but the actors more than make up for that defect. The female actors seem to having a ball with their respective roles while Billy Bob Thornton reigns supreme with his biting wit, wide Texan drawl and redolent cussing. The sheer charisma of Billy Bob Thornton overcomes most of the deficiencies in this series.
31 May,2025 07:02 PM IST | Mumbai | Johnson ThomasTitle: SirensCast: Meghann Fahy, Milly Alcock, Glenn HowertonCreator: Molly Smith MetzlerRating: 3/5Runtime: 1 hr/ep ( 5 eps) This series is based on an Off Broadway play “Elemeno Pea” by Molly Smith Metzler who is also the creator of this limited 5-episode series. The series is focused on the way women treat each other and at its heart are two estranged sisters Devon DeWitt and the younger, aspirational Simone. Their fractured relationship becomes the basis for a whole lot of drama. Directed by Nicole Kassell, Quyen Tran and Lila Neugebauer, Sirens excels in unsettling the viewer with its befuddled world of truths and lies. The sunny, picture-perfect island plays host to a dark biting social satire, with melodrama and thrills underlining the idyllic setting. The story may sound common but it has deeper notches. Devon(Meghann Fahy) works as a falafel waitress, and is a recovering alcoholic who’s having a relationship with her married boss. Devon desperately reaches out to her younger sister Simone (Milly Alcock), when her father receives a diagnosis of early-onset dementia. But Simone is unconcerned and sends a fruit basket instead. Devon seeks Simone out at a coastal island where Simone works as a live-in assistant to the charming and bewitching Michaela “Kiki” Kell (Julianne Moore).Devon soon realises there’s something unholy about Simone’s relationship with her new boss. Micheala is a master manipulator and manages to twist everyone around her, even her billionaire husband Peter (Kevin Bacon), can’t help but be her pawn. Devon soon comes to realise that the Simone she grew up with is not the same anymore. Michaela shelters and controls Simone. Devon too gets sucked into that world. Simone tries to save face, under the barrage of her sister’s questions. Eventually her idyllic life begins to crumble. The narrative reveals wounds of abandonment and the burden of sacrifice and responsibility. The series is an intense emotional confrontation regarding familial duty against individual aspiration, with class disparity adding another layer. The complex dynamics between the three women forms the crux of this story. Sirens tells a complicated story that borders on satire and manages to offer mysterious thrills too. Fahy and Moore make the most of their roles. Moore is mesmeric as Micheala while Fahy does the hard work to make her presence felt with earnestness and verve.The luxurious surroundings are a feast for the eyes. The episodes are intriguingly structured and play out compellingly. The series explores potent themes through a narrative that bedevils with tonal unpredictability. This is a sharp satire exposing the working class mindset, the ultra-rich, and the nature of their existence.
31 May,2025 06:56 PM IST | Mumbai | Johnson ThomasEvery now and then, showbiz gets a story of hope. Sanjay Kumar Sahu’s story is just that. Over the past few weeks, the actor has seen an outpouring of love for his performance in the acclaimed thriller, Black White & Gray — Love Kills. The recognition feels almost surreal to Sahu, who hails from a Chhattisgarh village. “I am from Umapur, a village situated in the Surguja district in Chhattisgarh. It’s a tribal area. When I was in college, the first from my village to pursue higher studies, I juggled it with folk theatre. During this time, I met actors who suggested that I should enrol in National School of Drama [NSD] or FTII [Film & Television Institute of India]. I wasn’t able to get through NSD, and FTII was out of my league because of its high fees. Later, I heard that FTII was subsidising fees for the acting course. It felt almost as if it happened for me,” says the actor, who enrolled in the institute in 2012. Sanjay Kumar Sahu In the past nine years since Sahu graduated from FTII, it has been a journey of auditions, rejections, and small roles. But the actor didn’t let disappointment seep in. “My role in Batla House [2019] got edited out. As an actor, you worry that time is passing you by,” he admits. When the SonyLIV show, directed by Pushkar Mahabal and offering an experimental take on the true crime genre, came his way, Sahu was surprised by his screen time. He shares, “I didn’t think it’d be such a big role. I liked the show’s experimental vein of storytelling.” Sahu hopes that the series’ success will lead to more offers for him. He believes that his success makes a larger point about the industry. “It’s a myth that a talent from remote or tribal areas doesn’t make it here; we do. We just have to fight harder, longer, and louder.”
31 May,2025 07:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuPrime Video today unveiled the faces of the 20 contestants who will be participating in the upcoming reality show The Traitors. The show, which will be hosted by Karan Johar, is set to premiere on June 12, with one episode airing every Thursday. Along with the participant list, the makers also released the official trailer of the show. Interestingly, we discovered that the show has a beautiful connection to Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra. Kiara Advani-Sidharth Malhotra connect with The Traitors The Traitors has been shot entirely at the grand Suryagarh Palace in Rajasthan. The palace is a popular destination for lavish functions, especially weddings. One of the most notable weddings hosted there was that of Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra in February 2023. Filmmaker Karan Johar, who was part of their grand wedding festivities, will now be hosting this high-stakes game show at the same iconic location. Meet the 20 contestants of The Traitors The maiden season of this reality series—teeming with treachery and deception—features an explosive mix of 20 celebrities, including Anshula Kapoor, Apoorva, Ashish Vidyarthi, Elnaaz Norouzi, Harsh Gujral, Jannat Zubair, Janvi Gaur, Jasmine Bhasin, Karan Kundrra, Lakshmi Manchu, Maheep Kapoor, Mukesh Chhabra, Nikita Luther, Purav Jha, Raftaar, Raj Kundra, Sahil Salathia, Sudhanshu Pandey, Sufi Motiwala, and Urfi Javed, as they try to outwit and deceive one another in the ultimate battle of will and wit. About The Traitors trailer The trailer shows the 20 players arriving at the majestic Suryagarh Palace in Rajasthan with one objective: to win the title and a significant cash prize amassed through a series of physical and psychological missions. Identified as "innocents," the players must uncover and eliminate the "traitors" hidden among them—secretly chosen by host Karan Johar at the beginning of the show. View this post on Instagram A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin) In a power play of vicious betrayals, cold-hearted deception, and relentless manipulation, the traitors will attempt to eliminate the innocents… unless the innocents can identify them before it’s too late. From bold proclamations and fiery exchanges to secret plotting, shocking accusations, and emotional breakdowns—the trailer offers a sneak peek into the unmissable drama The Traitors promises to deliver—and much more.
30 May,2025 06:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn February, mid-day reported that Mirzapur actor Shweta Tripathi is taking the leap to production (From fronting stories to backing them, February 18). Three months on, she is ready with her maiden theatre production. She is producing Cock, which will open in Delhi on June 6, followed by its Mumbai premiere on June 10. “Theatre has always been my first love. Producing a play like Cock is a personal and creative decision born out of my belief that storytelling should reflect the world in all its complexity and beauty,” says the actress, whose theatre production company AllMyTea is backing it. Originally written by British playwright Mike Bartlett, Cock is centred on a man torn between the comfort of his long-time male partner and the pull of an unexpected connection with a woman. The play will star Rytasha Rathore, Tanmay Dhanania, Sahir Mehta, and Harssh Singh, with Manish Gandhi at the helm. Tripathi says the story speaks to anyone grappling with the messy nature of love and identity. “We are living in a time where people are finally feeling empowered to own their identities, and Cock doesn’t shy away from the discomfort or the beauty of that journey. It’s messy, human, and real. I want to be part of stories that make you uncomfortable in the best way. Pride Month is a celebration, but it’s also a reminder that visibility, inclusion, and acceptance are ongoing battles,” she shares. June 10When Cock will première in Mumbai
30 May,2025 04:39 PM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuBusinessman Raj Kundra is all set to participate in the Karan Johar-hosted reality TV show The Traitors. On Friday, the trailer of the show was unveiled along with the identity of the 20 participants of the show. During the trailer launch event, Raj revealed his strategy for being a part of the competitive game and also hilariously shared that he plans to use the “nepo-husband” card. Raj Kundra on participating in The Traitors There was a phase when Raj Kundra, husband of actress Shilpa Shetty, would hide his face behind funky mask during public appearances. He believes that the mysterious phase will help him give an edge in the game. “Whenever I have worn a mask in my life, many have often wondered what I am hiding behind the mask. There has been a mystery behind it, so I think that mystery might help me in this game,” he said. He further said,“The Traitors is a Kalyug show, and it would not be easy to recognise a friend or an enemy. With this strategy, I hope that the mystery might help me in this game. " He also took a dig at the host Karan Johar. "Last but not least, Karan Johar sir is hosting the show, so I will definitely use the nepo husband card,” he concluded with a laugh. About The Traitors Featuring 20 celebrity players, The Traitors is an upcoming unscripted series premiering on June 12. New episodes will drop every Thursday at 8 pm, leading up to an epic grand finale. Prime Video will exclusively stream the show. The participants this season include Anshula Kapoor, Apoorva, Uorfi Javed, Ashish Vidyarthi, Elnaaz Nourouzi, Harsh Gujral, Jannat Zubair, Janvi Gaur, Jasmine Bhasin, Karan Kundrra, Lakshmi Manchu, Maheep Kapoor, Mukesh Chhabra, Nikita Luther, Purav Jha, Raftaar, Raj Kundra, Sahil Salathia, Sudhanshu Pandey, and Sufi Motiwala. The Traitors will see 20 players arrive at the royal Suryagarh Palace in Rajasthan, with the objective of winning the title and a cash prize after completing a series of physical and psychological missions. The twist? While all participants appear to be innocents, a few traitors are secretly chosen by Karan Johar at the beginning of the game. With a high-stakes format, stunning location, and a compelling lineup of contestants, audiences are eager to see how Raj Kundra plays the game with strategy, mystery, and that now-famous mask.
30 May,2025 03:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentKaran Johar is all set to host a palace full of drama, heartbreak, and betrayal as the makers of the Indian adaptation of the internationally acclaimed thrilling reality series The Traitors reveal the spectacular trailer of the series premiering on June 12, with new episodes dropping every Thursday at 8 pm, leading to an epic grand finale. Meet the 20 contestants of The Traitors The maiden season of the reality series, teeming with treachery and deception, will feature an explosive mix of 20 celebrities, including Anshula Kapoor, Apoorva, Ashish Vidyarthi, Elnaaz Norouzi, Harsh Gujral, Jannat Zubair, Janvi Gaur, Jasmine Bhasin, Karan Kundrra, Lakshmi Manchu, Maheep Kapoor, Mukesh Chhabra, Nikita Luther, Purav Jha, Raftaar, Raj Kundra, Sahil Salathia, Sudhanshu Pandey, Sufi Motiwala, and Urfi Javed, as they try to deceive each other in this ultimate battle of will and wit. View this post on Instagram A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin) The trailer will see the 20 players arrive at the royal Suryagarh Palace in Rajasthan with a single objective: to win the title and the significant cash prize amassed through various physical and psychological missions. Identified as ‘innocents,’ players must find and eliminate the ‘traitors’ from among them, who are carefully and secretly chosen at the beginning of the show by the host, Karan Johar. In a power play of vicious betrayals, cold-hearted deception, and constant manipulations, the traitors will need to eliminate the innocents… unless the innocents can identify them before it’s too late! From bold proclamations to fiery exchanges, secretive plotting, shocking accusations, and emotional breakdowns—the trailer offers a sneak peek into the unmissable drama that The Traitors promises, and much more. Karan Johar talks about The Traitors Host Karan Johar, while talking about the upcoming reality show featuring a dynamic list of celebs as contestants, shared, “Characterized by lies, deceit, betrayal, and a whole lot of drama, The Traitors is a show to watch out for! You will see me enjoy myself to the hilt, as I not only orchestrate the gameplay but also get a front-row seat to all the chaos, conflicts, and conspiracies that transpire between the 20 players. The drama gets way too real, and the stakes even more so. While the players enter the palace ready to outsmart, outplay, and outlast everyone else, all their strategies go out the window the moment I choose the traitors from amongst them.”
30 May,2025 01:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
