MTV Beats releases Love Duet; India's first love album by the LGBTQIA+ community

From 1942 – A Love Story to Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, mainstream Hindi cinema in India has started taking steps to go beyond the conventional norms of gender in storytelling and put the LGBTQIA+ community in the spotlight. Unfortunately, the story is not the same, for mainstream music.

Amidst the numerous tracks on Raj-Simran, Rahul-Anjali and Naina-Bunny, there are not many gender-inclusive songs or even songs that go beyond genders. But not anymore.

To celebrate two years of the historic judgement on September 6, 2018, that repealed Section 377, MTV Beats presents MTV Beats Love Duet - India’s first gender-atypical love duet album. Created by artists from the LGBTQIA+ community, this album embraces 'love that goes beyond the ‘boy-girl’ ka pyaar.'

With an aim to normalize conversations on the love that goes beyond the stereotypes of gender in the Hindi music space, MTV Beats Love Duet, in association with Kitty Su, brings together some of the greatest musicians from the community to spread love through the power of music. From the mesmerizing vocals of Sushant Divgikar, the multi-talented youth influencer along with Shubhangi, Rushik Thakkar and Prachi to the snapping beats by Ma Faiza and the music production by Rtunjya, the best from the community have joined hands to write and compose the album. Acclaimed singer Nikhita Gandhi has also poured in her love with a special track, “Khud Ko Hi Paake” for MTV Beats Love Duet.

Commenting on the initiative, Sushant Divgikar said, “2018’s landmark judgement instilled positivity in thousands, urging them to come out of the closet and love fearlessly. While there have been significant changes since then including acceptance for the community in mainstream entertainment like movies, we still have a long road ahead to turn the tide. MTV Beats Love Duet is an impactful and path-breaking move that gives the community a platform to create and express through music. Using the most fundamental art form aka music, this is our endeavour to normalize conversations on gender-inclusive love, strive for representation of LGBTQIA+ community in mainstream music space and raise the baton for change. Now that the legal battle has been won, it is time we win the social battle and Love Duet is an effort in that direction by us, of us, for everyone.”

MTV Beats Love Duet album will have 3 songs titled, “Teri Meri Baatein”, “Jashn-e-Bahaar” and “Ishq Karle Tu” promising a fine blend of Indie -Pop, Indo -Western and Rap for the music lovers. While Teri Meri Baatein is a sweet rendition signifying love that can start with just simple conversations, Jashn-e-Bahaar chronicles the emotion of first love with mixed feelings and the thought of being loved back by the person. Ishq Karle Tu is a bold, confrontational song that challenges the stereotypical notions attached to same-sex love.

These tracks are available on the social media pages of MTV Beats and the first track Jashn-e-Bahaar was launched on September 10, 2020.