In the past, many attempts have been made to show the relationships between gay couples, either directly or indirectly. While some films like Dostana have been a hit, others like Fire and Girlfriend have drawn the ire from the public and also political parties.
Talking about his role as a homosexual and if such subjects discriminate between men and women, Gulshan says, "I was very clear that I did not want something sleazy just because I was playing a homosexual character in Baat Ban Gayi. In Deepa Mehta's Fire, I was supposed to play a part in the film (as Nandita Das's husband). Deepa wanted Rekhaji to play Radha's character which was later played by Shabana Azmi. I knew Rekhaji very well and she respected my work. I introduced her to Deepa. Many meeting happened between Rekhaji and Deepa but she told me she was not doing the film. She said the film could become controversial, complicated and problematic. She left the film fearing it. I have a lot of memories. So much time and energy was spent on that film. She said no because she was afraid there would be real fire in the theatres."
Adding, "As an actor, I've never experienced the emotion of fright. I've played the baddie in film after film. I leave the responsibility to the film maker. However, I won't do something cheap in an underwear or costume where families can't sit together and watch such films."
