This new documentary series celebrates queer love in India

A new reality series documenting the lives of queer couples in India is nearing release on Prime Video. The series, Rainbow Rishta, is a celebration of love in the face of a conservative climate, and the first trailer introduces viewers to its glowing cast of six couples.

“Rainbow Rishta celebrates the most powerful emotion of all, love, in all its glory,” said director Jaydeep Sarkar in a statement.

“I feel fortunate to be able to capture the real and unfiltered stories of these remarkable individuals who are living their lives with pride, and challenge societal norms with utmost courage and patience.”

Given that India’s Supreme Court declined to legalize same-sex marriage just a few weeks ago, Rainbow Rishta could easily have gone for a more sobering tone. “We live in a society where being queer is seen from an angle of ridicule,” says one cast member in the trailer. But in this series, it’s the queer people who get to laugh. The trailer depicts a heartwarming show, one full of beaming faces.

The cast includes actor and trans rights activist Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, drag queen Lush Monsoon (aka human rights lawyer Aishwarya Ayushmaan), and founder of LGBTQ+ youth organization Sadam Hanjabam, alongside Sanam Choudhary, Daniella Mendonca, Suresh Ramda, Aneez Saikia and Soham Sengupta.

“We are so proud to present Rainbow Rishta to the world,” said Samira Kanwar from the series’ producer, Vice Studios. “Not only is the show about love, but also empathy and celebration. The series follows the real lives of individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community who are looking for or dealing with the various aspects that surround love – which any human on the planet can relate to.”

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“Rainbow Rishta takes an empathetic and unfiltered look at the lives, aspirations, and desires of the people from the LGBTQIA+ community,” added Aparna Purohit, Head of Originals, India and South East Asia for Prime Video. We believe that a positive portrayal where you see love blossoming, friendships being formed, and families being supportive helps people from the community feel more included.”

Rainbow Rishta is headed to Amazon Prime Video on November 7.

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