Swara Bhasker on 'Sheer Qorma': Film helps a generation make sense of queer love

Swara Bhasker

'Swara Bhasker and Divya Dutta's tender love story, Sheer Qorma, will have its premiere at the BAFTA Qualifying Frameline: San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival that kicks off on June 10. Bhasker is elated at the recognition as she says, "It has been delayed by a year. It was to premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in April last year. Though we can't be there in person, the team should do a virtual celebration."

Azmi plays Divya Dutta's mother in the film

The Faraz Ansari-directed short film revolves around Dutta's character who falls in love with Bhasker's Sitara and is disowned by her mother, played by Shabana Azmi. Dan Levy, creator of Schitt's Creek, once said that through his same-sex love track, he wanted to depict the transformational effects of love when the threat of intolerance has been removed from the equation. For Bhasker, Sheer Qorma reflects a similar sentiment. "This is a happy, non-cause-based film. There's nothing wrong with movies [that champion] a cause, but while discussing marginalised identities, why must the narrative be ridden with strife and conflict? Our world is so complicated, and this on-screen experience offers hope. This film is not just inclusive of the queer community, but also towards people who are uncomfortable with homosexuality. It helps a generation that doesn't understand it, make sense of it. It talks about children being misunderstood by their parents, and parents feeling frustrated with their children's choices."

A still from the short film

Of late, there has been an increased discussion around straight actors playing LGBTQIA+ parts, with many proposing that only queer artistes have the authenticity and sensitivity to play these roles. Bhasker weighs in on the discourse, saying, "That is a slippery slope. When the film came to me, I spoke to my friends who are lesbians to understand how to play the part, but eventually I'm playing a girl in love. I know what that feels like. I am all for representation. I understand when it comes to race and physical appearance. But my discomfort begins when we say only LGBTQ+ actors can play [queer] parts. That way, there's a chance that gay people won't be offered straight parts. I'm not okay with that because then it'll become that only Hindus can play Hindus, and Muslims can play Muslims. Let's make casting diverse, but let's not create new traps like these."

Also Read: 'Being a gay woman is easier in Mumbai'