In a significant stride towards inclusive storytelling, filmmaker Onir is breaking stereotypes with his upcoming short film, Tumhari Khushboo. The film distinguishes itself by casting Shashi Bhushan, a visually impaired actor, in the role of Sunil, a queer and visually impaired character. This casting decision highlights an underrepresented intersectionality, addressing the scarcity of queer characters with disabilities in cinema.
Onir, known for his empathetic and authentic portrayal of queer stories, emphasizes the importance of representing diverse experiences on screen. Tumhari Khushboo, written by Ravi Asrani, is set in Mumbai and explores the relationship between Sunil, a visually impaired masseur, and Kamran, a sports instructor played by Barun Sobti. The film delves into their connection, portraying Sunil as an independent individual navigating life's challenges, rather than seeking sympathy or being depicted as a victim.
"It is an intersectionality that is uncommon," Onir stated in an interview with Mid-day on January 25, 2026, coinciding with the film's poster release. "I have several queer-themed films, but this one is special because we rarely see representations of queer characters with disabilities in films".
Authenticity was paramount for Onir in portraying Bhushan's character. He highlighted Bhushan's remarkable talent as an actor and musician, which organically became integrated into the film during their workshops. The 33-minute film was shot in Mumbai over three months, allowing for a nuanced exploration of the characters and their relationship.
Onir's film emerges at a time when discussions around representation and inclusivity in media are gaining momentum. By casting a visually impaired actor in a queer role, Tumhari Khushboo challenges conventional norms and contributes to a more accurate and diverse representation of the LGBTQIA+ community. This move is particularly noteworthy, considering the historical underrepresentation and misrepresentation of disabled individuals in media.
The director hopes the film will resonate with audiences beyond its queer themes, emphasizing the universal aspects of love, connection, and acceptance. Onir has been working on queer themes and mentioned in March 2025 that he was doing an anthology with queer themes. He also expressed his exhaustion that the film constantly has to been seen as a gay film. Tumhari Khushboo not only adds to Onir's filmography of queer-themed stories but also sets a precedent for more inclusive casting and authentic representation in Indian cinema.
