First love, heartbreak, sorrow, desire; Bollywood has a song for almost every mood, every occasion but does it have one that celebrates love beyond the stereotypical constructs of gender? Err No! From 1942- A Love story to Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, while Hindi cinema has been trying to put the narratives of those from the LGBTQIA+ community, in the spotlight, through its music, Progress Abhi Baaki Hai Mere Dost! Amidst the numerous tracks on Raj-Simran, Rahul-Anjali, and Naina-Bunny, there aren’t many gender-inclusive songs or even songs that emote beyond gender. But, not anymore.
Marking two years to the historic judgement of 6th September 2018 that declared Section 377 as unconstitutional, MTV Beats, India’s No. 1 Contemporary music channel is all set to give India its first ungendered love duet album by artists from the LGBTQIA+ community – MTV Beats Love Duet, that will celebrate the love that goes beyond the ‘ladka-ladki’ ka pyaar.
With an aim to normalize conversations on the love that goes beyond the conventional social notions of gender in the Hindi music space and capture the breadth of the LGBTQIA+ community, MTV Beats Love Duet brings together some of the greatest musicians from the community, from the extremely talented Sushant Divgikar, Shubhangi, Ma Faiza, Prachi, Rtunjya to Rushik Thakkar, who have written and composed the album. Additionally, the album will also have one track by the popular singer Nikhita Gandhi, who will pour in her love and Pride for MTV Beats Love Duet.
Talking about the album, Sushant said:
2018’s landmark judgement instilled positivity in thousands, urging them to come out of the closet and love fearlessly. While there have been significant changes since then including acceptance for the community in mainstream entertainment like movies, we still have a long road ahead to turn the tide. MTV Beats Love Duet is an impactful and path-breaking move that gives the community a platform to create and express through music. Using the most fundamental art form aka music, this is our endeavour to normalize conversations on gender inclusive love, strive for representation of LGBTQIA+ community in mainstream music space and raise the baton for change. Now that the legal battle has been won, it is time we win the social battle and Love Duet is an effort in that direction by us, of us, for everyone.
Ma Faiza further added:
Music as the language of the universe is a great medium to connect with one another across boundaries. MTV Beats Love Duet is an effort to showcase our struggle, our love to the world and make a mark in society. I feel its high time that ungendered love comes into the mainstream and not be confined to any societal stigmas. This album, by all means is special for me as it also gave me a chance to meet some of the most lovely people from the community. We had a great time working together on this album and we really hope everyone will love it.
We are so excited for this inclusive musical treat. The first song from the album sung by Sushant will be launched on 10th September 2020 called Jash-e-Bahar.