Sridhar Rangayan is known for his immense contribution towards the growth of awareness about sexual minorities in India.
Indian filmmaker Sridhar Rangayan, also the founder and director of KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, will be the Grand Marshal at Montreal Pride to be held on August 14 this year. Montreal Pride is an annual LGBT pride festival held in Montreal, Quebec and is the largest event in Montreal. Rangayan will lead the Pride parade along with the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Thrilled at the honour, Rangayan expressed his excitement saying, "I am excited to fly the Indian tricolour along with the rainbow flag to underline that I am both Indian and gay – both my identities are a matter of pride for me."
He added, "I am both humbled and honoured to be chosen to lead Montreal Pride as one of the Grand Marshals. It is indeed a great privilege and, as with any privilege, comes with responsibilities. I hope that I can amplify the struggles and victories of the Indian LGBT community, and seek global support in ensuring a free and equal society."
Éric Pineault, founding president of Montreal Pride welcomed Rangayan and said that he is a pioneer in the advancement of rights for LGBTQ individuals in India and they are delighted to have him as the Grand Marshal. He also informed that Rangayan’s debut film Gulabi Aaina (Pink Mirror) made in 2003 (which still remains banned in India) will be screened on August 10 as part of Montreal Pride activities.
Rangayan will also be screening his latest award winning film Breaking Free in Toronto at the prestigious The Royal Cinema on August 17.
Montreal pride, in its tenth year, is the largest LGBTQ gathering in the Francophone world and attracts close to 500,000 local and international visitors. The Pride will be celebrated over the course of seven days, from August 8, 2016, culminating in the spectacular pride march on August 14.
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 "India, Bollywood, Sridhar Rangayan, Justin Trudeau, Montreal Pride, Grand Marshal, Pride parade, Quebec, Éric Pineault, Gulabi A")
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