Wth Valentine’s Day just behind us and love still in the air, seven long-term gay couples open up about their relationships, their unwavering commitment, and their fight for marriage equality in India.
Love that stands the test of timeSridhar Rangayan and Saagar Gupta, the filmmaker duo behind numerous LGBTQ-themed films—including Kuch Sapney Apne, set for release on February 21—have been together for 30 years. “We have spent more than half our lives together, and our relationship only grows stronger,” they say. Petitioners in the marriage equality case recently rejected by the Supreme Court, they remain steadfast: “We won’t lose hope and will continue pushing for our rights.”
Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil and Duke DeAndre Richardson, together for over a decade, define love as “authenticity, resilience, and mutual support.” Their activism reflects their shared belief in using their bond for positive change in the LGBTQ+ community.
Yogi, a creative consultant, and Kabeer, a corporate communications leader, have spent 10 years together. As co-hosts of the popular Shuddh Gay Desi podcast, they advocate for visibility and acceptance. “Love is about finding a home in each other while allowing individual growth.”
Roop Gursahani, a neurologist, and Neil Pathe, a journalist, have shared 22 years of love and companionship. “Our temperaments differ, but love keeps us together—even when we drive each other crazy,” they joke.
Dr. Prasad Dandekar, a Mumbai-based oncologist, and Shripad, a leadership coach, have built a relationship over two decades. For them, love is in the everyday moments: “A rushed cup of coffee, caring for each other when sick—it’s the little things that matter.”
Renald Rodrigues, an industrial consultant, and Achintya Barua, a banker, have spent 14 years together, bound by friendship, compassion, and unwavering support.
Piyush Upadhyay, a retired Master Mariner, and Sushil Kharade, a catering entrepreneur, have been inseparable for 29 years, gracing film festivals and wedding dance floors across India. “Love means standing by each other through life’s highs and lows.”
The unfinished fight for marriage equalityDespite their enduring commitments, these couples continue to face legal barriers. Gohil and Richardson emphasize, “Marriage equality is a fundamental human right. India has made progress, but full recognition of same-sex marriage is essential for true equality.”
Yogi and Kabeer stress that marriage is not just an emotional validation but a legal necessity. “From inheritance to healthcare, taxation to next-of-kin status—these rights shape lives. Love is love, and the law should reflect that.”
Gursahani and Pathe echo the sentiment: “Legalizing same-sex marriage would solve countless issues LGBTQ+ couples face daily. It’s time for lawmakers to do what’s right.”
Dr. Dandekar and Shripad highlight the emotional, social, and financial impact of marriage inequality. “Buying property, taking loans, adopting children—all come with hurdles. It’s not a wishlist; it’s a right we’ve been denied.”
Upadhyah and Kharade stress, “Same-sex couples need the same legal rights as heterosexual couples—from hospital access to inheritance.”
Rangayan and Gupta remain hopeful: “As one of our film’s protagonists says, ‘Our dreams are the blueprint of our future.’ We will keep fighting until marriage equality becomes a reality.”
A love story on the big screenTheir fight for equality finds cinematic expression in Kuch Sapney Apne, starring Satvik Bhatia and Arpit Chaudhary as a couple fighting for their right to marry. Set for release in 10 cities this weekend, the film mirrors the struggles and hopes of real-life couples advocating for change.
As love continues to inspire, these couples prove that commitment transcends legal recognition—and the fight for equal rights is far from over.