The LGBT+ community has not had adequate positive representation in Bollywood movies. Barring a few stray performances like Fawad Khan in the final minutes of Kapoor and Sons and Sonam Kapoor in Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, Bollywood is yet to give its due to a community that makes a big part of the very industry. Well, this comes as good news during the Pride Month that Zareen Khan will be seen playing the role of a lesbian in her upcoming film, titled Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele. In fact, she will be starring opposite Anshuman Jha, who plays a gay man in the film. The story is about the relationship these two characters develop. Bigg Boss 13: Zareen Khan Finally Reveals if She’s a Part of Salman Khan’s Controversial Show.

Hum Bhi Akele, Tum Bhi Akele is being directed by Harish Vyas. "Anshuman has a sensitivity, which I always wanted his character to have. Zareen impressed us with her audition. Their chemistry and pairing will entertain the audience," Harish said about his two leads to mid-day.

It certainly comes as a bold choice for Zareen, whose talent has not been utilised by Bollywood so far. "She will surprise with her performance," the director continued about her.

In an interview with IANS, she spoke about HBATBA and said, "Being an artist, I am open to all kind of cinema and characters. Especially in today's time, the audience is not restricted to just watching commercial cinema. In fact, they are welcoming different genres and all kind of films. Big, small, independent, short... doesn't matter. What matters is the subject and the content. So, here I am learning and growing every day," Rumours were rife that Zareen Khan might be a contestant on the next cycle of Salman Khan hosted Bigg Boss, but she clarified that there is not truth to these speculations.

The shooting for Hum Bhi Akele, Tum Bhi Akele has already begun in Delhi and will soon be shot in Dharamsala and Mumbai. It will release on Valentine's Day 2020 clashing with Imtiaz Ali's Sara Ali Khan and Kartik Aaryan starrer Reverse. In the coming year, we will also see Ayushmann Khurrana play a gay man in Shubh Mangal Savdhaan 2. Rumour has it that Vicky Kaushal will play the lead in Dostana 2. About time, Bollywood. About time.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 17, 2019 09:21 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).