Abhay Deol, known for his diverse roles in films such as “Dev D” and “Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!,” recently discussed his penchant for breaking stereotypes in an interview with The Dirty Magazine. The actor, recognized for his unconventional choices, also touched upon the theme of being ‘politically incorrect’ and shared his thoughts on sexuality, particularly in relation to his upcoming film “Bun Tikki,” directed by the non-binary, openly queer Faraz Arif Ansari.
Addressing his perspective on sexuality, Deol stated, “As a spectrum. I refuse the Western way of identifying sexuality because it’s so black and white. The Eastern approach is so different; it recognizes the whole of us. I don’t define my sexuality, and this might sound controversial but for me it’s not something that I think can be defined.”
He elaborated, expressing a belief that “we are all they/them.” Deol explained, “I think it’s more for the other person’s comfort, so that they can put you in a box, neatly slot you. Why should I define myself in Western terms? I have embraced all experiences in my life and I continue to do so. I don’t know how to label that, I don’t want to label that. All of us have a masculine and feminine within us, so in my opinion we are all they/them.”
In the same interview, Deol offered his views on masculinity, describing it as “the ability to make people feel safe and included.” He added, “As a man, I feel like a protector and provider. However, I would happily give up my sense of taking charge and leading to a woman if she wanted to take charge and lead.”
The actor revealed that he is not ‘hiding’ but prefers the tranquility of his home in Goa. Over the past nine years, he has also spent considerable time in Los Angeles, appreciating the anonymity it offers.
Abhay Deol is set to star alongside Shabana Azmi, Zeenat Aman, and Lin Laishram in “Bun Tikki,” marking his much-anticipated return to the big screen.
