Actor Abhay Deol rejects the Western way of defining sexuality, advocating for a label-free approach that allows individuals to exist without being neatly categorized.
When asked about his view on sexuality, Abhay described it as a spectrum, highlighting the limitations of the binary Western perspective.
“The Eastern approach is different; it acknowledges our whole being. I don’t define my sexuality. This may sound controversial, but I don’t believe it can be defined. Labels are more for others’ comfort, to place you in a box. Why should I conform to Western terms? I’ve embraced all experiences in life and continue to do so. I don’t want to label that. We all possess both masculine and feminine qualities, so in my view, we are all they/them,” Abhay shared in an interview with Dirty Magazine.
“But there is a sense of taking charge and leading. Having said that I would happily give it up to a woman too if she wanted to take charge and lead, that’s also part of my masculinity,” he continued.
For Abhay, known for films like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Dev D, and Oye Lucky Lucky Oye, true masculinity lies in making others feel safe and included. He sees himself as a protector and provider, acknowledging that this role could stem from either personal experience or societal conditioning.