Onir Honoured For Championing LGBTQ Narratives And Bringing Global Recognition To Indian Cinema

Entertainment Desk, New Delhi. Indian film and television director and writer Onir (Anirban Dhar) is credited with integrating the LGBTQ community into mainstream Indian cinema. His film, "My Brother...Nikhil," deals with AIDS and gay relationships, and depicts the life of Dominic D'Souza. He also won a National Award for his film, "I Am." A special community event was hosted in his honor, celebrating his contributions to cinema.

Supporting the LGBTQ community through films

Onir was born Anirban Dhar in Samchi, Bhutan, to parents from Bengal. He spent most of his life watching cinema. When he moved to Kolkata with his family, he turned this passion into a career. Onir has given many excellent films to Indian cinema, but two of his films, Mera Bhai...Nikhil and I Am, were highly acclaimed. I Am received several awards, including the National Award.

Celebrating Onir’s Impact on Inclusive Storytelling

Onir's films receive praise

The evening concluded with a memorable moment when Livingston Mayor Ed Meinhardt and Council Member Ketan Bhupatani presented Onir with an official township citation in recognition of his outstanding work in promoting visibility, equality, and compassion through film. Mayor Meinhardt praised Onir as "a true trailblazer whose courage and creativity have inspired audiences worldwide," and added, "It is an honor for Livingston to host a visionary who reminds us that humanity shines brightest and matters most when it celebrates diversity."

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Onir Gave Voice to Untold Stories

The event began with a speech by Shashank Singh, founder of Indians in Livingston (IIL) and Bakstage.AI. Singh said, "Onir's films have touched countless lives, and his storytelling continues to connect cultures and conversations around the world."

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Onir Mainstreamed LGBTQ Narratives in Indian Cinema

A New Direction for Mainstream Cinema

Onir was honored with the Icon Award at the International South Asian Film Festival of Canada. He has received this award for his consistently crafted cinema that breaks boundaries, highlights underrepresented voices, and sparks conversations on issues often left out of the mainstream.