Rainbow Rishta Review: Honest Exploration Of Longing In Queer Love

Love, in all its forms, deserves a place in the spotlight, and every heart's desire should be celebrated, unapologetically. Right? I truly believe that the desire to have someone to talk to, to be by your side, or to journey through life together is a natural aspect of being human. And this is exactly what Amazon Prime's new documentary series, Rainbow Rishta, is all about! It highlights the idea that this desire is something we all share, no matter who we are, and it celebrates the beauty of human connection regardless of our sexual orientation.

In this six-part documentary series, directed by Jaydeep Sarkar with story directors Hridaye A. Nagpal and Shubhra Chatterji, we're given a raw and genuine look into the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals. These unscripted episodes take us on a journey across different parts of the country, like Mumbai, Delhi, Assam, and Manipur. Through the real-life stories of folks like Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, Daniella Mendonca, Ayushmaan (known as Lush Monsoon), Aneez Saikia, Sanam Choudhary, Soham Sengupta, Suresh Ramdas, and Sadam Hanjabam, we get an engaging and honest window into their lives.

6 Queer Stories Of Individual Paths & Couples' Triumphs

Now, let's talk about individual stories. Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, a well-known figure, wears multiple hats, she's a medical doctor, content creator, actor, and advocate for transgender rights. In the series, we get to hear her coming-out story. Through her perspective, we also witness the post-coming-out phase, where dates have become just another opportunity to dress up and shine. Yet, amidst the glamour, there's a lingering sense of hope as she continues to search for a meaningful companion.

Mumbai’s Daniella Mendonca is also a familiar figure, but this series brings to light an essential part of her journey as a queer individual. Her story reveals her extraordinary life path, from being born as an intersex person to being raised by a trans community. Despite surviving various obstacles, including rape, she remained determined to lead the life she had always dreamed of. One of those dreams was her wedding, and now it's becoming a reality. While the journey is not without its obstacles, her story beautifully illustrates that where there's love, there's a way.

Ayushmaan, a 30-year-old Delhi-based individual who carries the weight of not coming out to his mother and being dishonest to her, is, at the same time, afraid of the mere thought that being open about his identity will cost him his relationship with his mom. By day, he's a human rights lawyer who grapples with self-doubt about his appearance. By night, he transforms into Lush Monsoon, a confident drag queen who fully embraces her identity. Through his story, we learn that what truly matters isn't necessarily having a partner or conforming to societal norms. It's about how you perceive yourself and find the path to self-acceptance.

Sadam Hanjabam, while growing up in Manipur, faced a challenging journey as a teenager coming to terms with his queer identity. In his story, we discover that coming out doesn't automatically make life stress-free. It means you have to keep your resilience intact because that's how you survive. Yes, there are moments when Hanjabam struggles, but he always manages to pick himself up, because that's what life is all about. He's also in search of love and a companion, though he finds it challenging to open up and share himself for that.

The show introduces us to two queer couples: Aneez Saikia and Sanam Choudhary, and Soham Sengupta and Suresh Ramdas. Through their stories, we gain insights into the challenges that queer couples face, both from society and within their personal lives.

If Love Is Home, Queer Love Is Still An Yearn

In a world where love is often seen as a source of belonging and comfort, just like home, queer love remains an unfulfilled yearning. Crafted by a queer director, the series makes a compelling and heartfelt contribution, providing a crystal-clear and powerful representation of this thought.

All the episodes are crafted to make you feel that love is like a home, and everyone needs a home to live in. So, why is the queer community not only restricted but also made to feel ashamed when it comes to fulfilling this fundamental need of having love?  Each episode lasts for a concise 30-35 minutes, and they are directed with a commitment to authenticity, portraying the various stages and ages in the quest for love within the queer community. 

Views expressed by the author are their own

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