Sufi Motiwala, a 21-year-old content creator, fashion commentator, and now actor, is making waves in the entertainment industry. He is known for his unapologetic opinions, keen eye for fashion, and his journey of self-discovery as a queer Muslim man in a society that often challenges both his faith and sexuality. Motiwala's recent acting debut in Amazon Prime Video's web series, "Do You Wanna Partner," has provided him with a platform to further express his views on LGBTQ+ representation and societal issues.
Motiwala's journey has not been without its challenges. Growing up in Surat, in a community with stringent societal norms, he faced scrutiny for being different from other boys. He was often berated for his mannerisms, and his parents were even confronted and criticized for allowing him to behave in a way that deviated from the norm. In an interview with SCREEN, Motiwala recounted the harshness of the experience, but also noted that those same people are now more comfortable with the idea of a gay person because he was there.
One of the most difficult experiences Motiwala faced was being outed to his family by his therapist at the age of 16. In an interview with Humans of Bombay, he shared that after a few sessions, he decided to come out to his therapist, who then, without his permission, told his grandfather about his sexuality. This event, while traumatic, ultimately led to his self-discovery and the creation of "Sufi Motiwala," a persona that allowed him to exist in peace.
Regarding LGBTQ+ representation, Motiwala believes that there are not enough opportunities for LGBTQIA+ artists to tell their own stories. He also calls out outdated writing and stereotypical portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream media, insisting that writers need to engage with real people from the community to create authentic and relatable characters. In "Do You Wanna Partner," Motiwala aimed to portray a character that is not solely defined by his sexuality but by his personality. He emphasizes that sexuality is only one aspect of a person and that LGBTQ+ individuals are just as regular as heterosexual individuals in every way.
Despite his growing success, Motiwala remains grounded and focused on using his platform to make a difference. He acknowledges the mental health struggles that come with online scrutiny and trolling, admitting that he has developed insecurities from social media. However, he actively tries not to let it get to him and focuses on constructive criticism.
Motiwala is also very vocal about the need for the LGBTQ+ community to focus on meaningful activism beyond stereotypes. He believes that true activism lies in fighting for equal rights, such as marriage, blood donation, child adoption, medical insurance, fair pay, and basic rights in the workplace. Motiwala urges people to remember that being gay doesn't mean conforming to stereotypes or making one's sexuality their entire existence.
Looking ahead, Sufi Motiwala hopes to continue acting and influencing the entertainment industry. He believes that the Indian cinema is on the cusp of change, becoming more focused on emotions, feelings, and interpersonal relationships. Motiwala is ready to contribute his unique perspective and talent to this evolution, aiming to make a positive impact on society and inspire others to embrace their true selves.
