Bollywood siren Celina Jaitly is known for her starring roles in some of the industry’s biggest blockbusters.


The former Miss India is now playing a different role entirely as the UN Goodwill Ambassador for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues.


She is in London today, for an event organised by the Human Dignity Trust. 
The organisation provides legal assistance to those who want to challenge anti–gay laws by taking their governments to court. 
There are more than 80 countries worldwide that still have provisions that prohibit homosexual behaviour, the organisation works in many of them, particularly those within the Commonwealth.


Speaking to Asian Image, Celina was adamant that change even in parts of the South Asia could only occur through education.

One of the ways she has helped to create awareness of the issues is through a new video. It is Bollywood’s first ever music video to promote gay rights, marking her singing debut in a new version of the 1979 hit ‘Uthe Sab Ke Kadam'.


The video has been choreographed by Longi of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and remixed by the Bombay Vikings.
With over 2 million views on YouTube, the impassioned Celina is certainly making an impact.


“It feels wonderful that so many people all over the world are watching the video.
“The concept for the video was born by Charles Radcliffe, Chief of Global Issues at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.


“Charles said that Bollywood is the biggest emerging trend in the world. Let’s use this to spread our message.


 “It was quote a process! It took about 8 months to pull everything together. But it has been worth it. The video has been so well received globally.


“Bollywood has pomp and show, and audiences love that. It was the best theme to utilise to get our message across.”


A video with stunning scenery, vivid colours, addictive music, dancing and glamorous outfits, but is it enough to change stereotypical mind-sets?
“In India we still have a long way to go.


“There is an archaic law in India, section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which is a colonial law. This law criminalises homosexuality.


“This law needs to go.
“The first step to addressing a problem is to acknowledge the problem exists. 
“India still lives in a contradiction.


“There is social stigma, a lack of awareness. Education is very important to break down barriers.


“And every change begins with a difficult conversation.  
“That’s what we tried to capture in the video.”

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Whilst homosexuality remains illegal in India, it is undoubtedly a taboo subject amongst British Asians. With same sex marriage only having become legal earlier this year in the UK, change is still necessary. 


Celina continued, “I agree. This problem exists not only in India. It is so important to educate people of all ages.
“It’s that fear of the unknown.  People don’t necessarily know what LGBT actually means.
“And you can see this education happening in schools.


“But the previous generation also need to be educated. They are the ones who uphold culture and influence law making. They need to become more open minded.
“Education can throw light on this dark space".


Celina’s tireless work with the UN has certainly raised some much needed awareness in India and throughout the world, but not without its share of negativity.


"When philanthropy is responded to with threats, not only to Celina but to her children as well, it shows that change is still in dire need.
“When it comes to my children I am always concerned.


“But I have nothing to say to such intolerant people. Martin Kuther King said 'Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step'.


“As far as I am concerned that staircase is never ending. We just need to take one step at a time.


“I’m not talking about establishing new rights for a particular community. I want basic rights.

 

Why should a whole community be ostracised for their orientation?”.
Celina's trajectory with the UN is now taking her to New York where she will be performing with Sting in New York on September 15 at the ‘Uprising of Love’ concert.

 
“This is a special benefits concert which will raise awareness for LGBT around the world. I’m so excited to sing with Sting. 


“We will also be joined by two times Grammy winner Patti LuPone.
“When you have a God given platform, you should use that for a good cause.


"That is why I would like to thank you at Asian Image for your support. We need to make a difference, even if it is just with one human being at a time.”

Exploring the Efficacy of Advocacy: Options to Highlight the Persecution of the LGBTI Community Across the Globe takes place on Thursday September 4.