Factual
Do you know ‘All About Section 377’?
MUMBAI: With a number of campaigns fighting for the rights of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community and the continuous squabble to decriminalize section 377 of the IPC, The Creative Gypsy and Weirdoze are all geared up to launch their revolutionary web series All About Section 377. AAS 377 will launch on the YouTube channel on 27 March 2016.
The series aims at breaking the perceptions of the LGBT community in society. The team has also sent a two hour cut out of the series to various web series festivals.
The very draconian and archaic Section 377 from chapter XVI of the Indian Penal Code dating back to 1860 introduced during the British rule of India, criminalises sexual activities ‘against the order of nature’, including homosexual acts, as past orders of some of the courts indicate.
Highlighting the joys and sorrows of the much neglected and side-lined community by most of people, the 8 episode series of 18 minutes each presents a light-hearted look at a male gay couple’s life as seen through the eyes of a straight homophobic man.
Directed by Amit Khanna, the series is about Suresh who comes to Mumbai from Delhi to pursue a career in acting and modelling. His worst nightmare comes alive when he realizes that his cousin Rohit with whom he is supposed to live with is gay and also has a live-in boyfriend Sid in the same apartment. Thus begins the journey of a homophobic man who lives with a gay couple and how his perception changes over a period of time.
“From episode 6, the story changes completely and whoever is against the community will have no other go except to accept the fact. My expectation from this web series is that people must understand that they can’t bind love by gender, by society or by social status. I want our society to be more open-minded,” says Amit Khanna.
The Creative Gypsy’s Khera reveals that since the series did not have any sponsors on-board, they had to launch a new channel for it. “Whoever was ready to take the series was not ready to pay us the amount we have put in producing this series. They wanted to own all the rights of the series, and a few of them didn’t even want our name in it. We have all worked hard for this series. OTT is definitely an emerging platform, but the waters are being tested as yet. We are passionate about having our series up everywhere”, she further adds.
AAS 377 features an enthusiastic cast of 6 that includes Gulshan Nain aka Suresh, Ankit Bhatia playing Sid and Mustafa Shaik enacting the character of Chotu. The series also shows two girls Fiza Aziz and Surabhi Raut. Amit Khanna makes his debut in the series playing the role of Rohit. Celebrities like Niranjan Iyengar, Iris Maity and Suzanna Mukherjee will also be seen in cameos.
There are plans to launch a second series. “The second series depends on the success of this one. Till now, we have got a good response from the screening. We aim to give our viewers a strong message through the content on our channel. We have not compromised on anything and have poured our hearts in it”, concedes Khera.
Here is the trailer of the web-series:
Factual
National Geographic launches ‘Postcards from Hong Kong’ with Ridhi Dogra
New series explores the city’s hidden gems and vibrant contrasts, premiering 28 March.
MUMBAI: Ridhi Dogra just sent a postcard from Hong Kong that’s worth framing because when a bustling metropolis reveals its quiet trails and timeless traditions, even the skyline takes a back seat. National Geographic has unveiled Postcards from Hong Kong, a refreshing travel series hosted and curated by actor Ridhi Dogra. Produced by National Geographic Creative Works in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the show offers an intimate, Indian traveller’s perspective on one of Asia’s most iconic cities, moving beyond its glittering harbour and skyscrapers to uncover serene beaches, scenic hiking trails and deep cultural traditions.
Across three visually rich episodes, Ridhi journeys through contrasting sides of Hong Kong. The first episode takes her on a quieter path of self-discovery to places like Sai Kung, Big Wave Bay, Dragon’s Back, Tai O, Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The second episode dives into the city’s energetic side, from the bustling streets of Causeway Bay to Happy Valley Racecourse, Michelin-starred spots and luxury shopping at Landmark.
Ridhi Dogra said, “Being part of Postcards from Hong Kong with Nat Geo was a deeply enriching experience. What I love about this journey is that it goes beyond the obvious; it’s not just about the skyline or the speed of the city but about the stories that live in its quieter corners.”
A National Geographic India spokesperson added, “With Postcards from Hong Kong, we set out to go beyond the familiar and explore the city through a more intimate, human lens.”
Hong Kong Tourism Board director of South Asia Puneet Kumar noted, “Postcards from Hong Kong is a reflection of meaningful storytelling that brings the city to life in an immersive way. It beautifully captures the diversity and spirit that define Hong Kong.”
Blending travel, culture and personal storytelling, the series celebrates Hong Kong as a city of contrasts where modern life meets tradition and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. It premieres on 28 March at 8 pm on the National Geographic Channel and will also stream on JioHotstar.
In a world of hurried travel reels, Postcards from Hong Kong slows things down just enough to let viewers truly see the city not just its lights, but its layers, proving that the best souvenirs are the stories you bring home.
