Akshay Oberoi’s Bold Take on Queer Roles: Bollywood Needs to Celebrate Its Queer Fans

Akshay Oberoi is making waves with his fearless approach to acting and his heartfelt call for Bollywood to embrace its queer audience.

In a recent interview, the Inside Edge star opened up about his experience playing a queer cricketer in Season 3, shedding light on the love and support he’s received from the LGBTQ+ community.

His candid words are sparking buzz, and we’re here to dive into why this matters for Bollywood’s future!

What Makes Akshay Oberoi’s Role in Inside Edge Stand Out?

Akshay Oberoi’s portrayal of a closeted queer cricketer in Inside Edge Season 3 was a game-changer. His character, grappling with identity and societal pressure, brought raw emotion and authenticity to the screen.

Fans on X praised his nuanced performance, with posts highlighting how he broke stereotypes with sensitivity. Oberoi’s commitment to human stories over typical hero roles has cemented his reputation as a versatile actor.

Why Does Akshay Oberoi Embrace Queer Roles?

Oberoi isn’t afraid to challenge norms. “I’ve never been bothered about the sexuality of my characters,” he shared in a June 2025 interview with Hindustan Times. “It’s about telling human stories, and every human deserves to be seen.”

His passion for inclusive storytelling shines through, making him a standout in an industry often criticized for sidelining diverse narratives. Playing a queer role was “overwhelming and fulfilling” for Oberoi, helping him grow as both an actor and a person.

How Does Bollywood Respond to Its Queer Audience?

Akshay Oberoi didn’t hold back when addressing Bollywood’s reluctance to acknowledge its queer fans. “A lot of the love and fandom we get is from the queer community, and we should acknowledge that,” he said.

Despite progress, like films such as Badhaai Do (2022), Bollywood still lags in authentic representation. Oberoi’s call for change resonates with fans on X, who are urging the industry to amplify marginalized voices.

What Impact Could Oberoi’s Words Have on the Industry?

Oberoi’s advocacy is a wake-up call for Bollywood. With India’s Supreme Court decriminalizing homosexuality in 2018, the demand for inclusive stories is growing. His stance aligns with actors like Rajkummar Rao, who’ve also pushed for diverse roles.

As streaming platforms like Amazon Prime (home to Inside Edge) embrace bold narratives, Oberoi’s influence could inspire more creators to tell authentic queer stories.

Highlights of Akshay Oberoi’s Advocacy  

• Key Role: Played a closeted queer cricketer in Inside Edge Season 3 (Amazon Prime, 2021).

• Bold Statement: Urged Bollywood to acknowledge its queer fanbase in a June 2025 interview.

• Fan Praise: X users lauded his sensitive portrayal, calling it a stereotype-breaker.

• Career Focus: Commits to human stories, embracing challenging, inclusive roles.

• Industry Context: Joins actors like Rajkummar Rao in advocating for diversity.

Some Closing Thoughts: Why This Matters for Fans and Bollywood

Akshay Oberoi’s words are more than just a soundbite—they’re a rallying cry for change. His respect for the queer community and dedication to authentic storytelling set a new standard.

As Bollywood evolves, voices like his could pave the way for richer, more inclusive narratives that reflect the diversity of its audience.