The tears haven’t stopped since I heard the news: Apurva Asrani on the scrapping of section 377

Soon after the decision of the Supreme Court to repeal the regressive section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, senior advocate Indira Jaising tweeted: 'Today's verdict is a homage to the late Prof Siras of AMU who was suspended and asked to vacate his official residence as he was gay. He committed suicide.'

Siras's case was the inspiration for Hansal Mehta's critically acclaimed film, Aligarh (2016). Apurva Asrani, the writer of Aligarh, was even more emotional about the decision. 

The editor of films like Satya (1998), Shahid (2013) and Citylights (2014), Asrani has been a vocal defender of LGBTQ rights and an openly gay member of the film industry for some time now. 

On being contacted by Cinestaan.com, Asrani responded to the decision: "The tears haven’t stopped flowing since I heard the news. Seventy-one years after a majority of Indians achieved complete independence, the LGBTQ community is finally free. It has been a lifetime of suppressing true desires and living in fear of criminal prosecution. Finally the good judges of the Supreme Court have spoken of us with respect and dignity. Now the law is with us." 

While the decision has been hailed as a positive move, Asrani stated that it might take time for society to follow suit. "While it will take time for society to change its mindset, at least we will have access to legal recourse in case we are harassed or discriminated against. I feel much gratitude towards all the rainbow warriors who have been relentlessly fighting for this day." 

While the writer has parted ways with his mentor and longtime collaborator Hansal Mehta, the director did not fail to wish Asrani on Twitter on the occassion. Mehta tweeted his wishes while reminding Asrani's contribution to the long fight to repeal section 377. 

With the judgment in, it is time the film industry joins in celebrating stories like Aligarh in the future.