“She saved my life. And lost hers.” This was Harish Iyer’s first reaction after he heard the news of legendary actress Sridevi’s demise on Sunday morning. Iyer is an activist for a number of causes, including promoting the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, children, women, animals, and survivors of child sexual abuse.
He first came to public attention in 2012 on the second episode of Satyamev Jayate hosted by actor Aamir Khan when he brought the issue of child sex abuse. Yesteryears screen diva Sridevi made a special appearance on the show, to meet Iyer, one of the victims of child abuse who told Aamir that he was abused by a man for 11 years. He also said that when he tried to tell his mother, she didn't take him seriously.
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At that time his only support was his dog and Bollywood movies, especially the ones starring Sridevi. And that is why the actress was invited on the show.
In a series of emotional tweets, Iyer said: “She meant the world to me. I wasn't overtly expressive about it because she was my private love affair. She was my mother in my parallel life where everything was possible - even facing the forces that raped me and left me bereft of dignity. I feel orphaned today.”
In another tweet, he said: “I have not lost an Idol. I have lost the reason due to which I survived to see this day today.
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He added: “Have you seen the star falling on earth. Today, I saw one running back to the skies. Life will go on. It will seem the same, but it will never be the same again.”
Iyer catapulted into the spotlight in May 2015 when his mother Padma Iyer placed what may be India's first gay matrimonial advertisement in a Mumbai tabloid. Within a few days the ad received a huge response. The ad read: “Seeking 25-40, well placed, animal-loving, vegetarian groom for my son (36, 5'11") who works with an NGO, caste no bar (though Iyer preferred).” The ad went viral after Iyer posted it on social media.
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However, apart from the dozens of proposals, the advert also attracted hateful, homophobic messages, as well as messages objecting to the caste preference. “My mother got over 300 hate mails, with many criticising her for not letting caste biases go, despite being progressive,” said Iyer. “The caste bit was written in jest,” he added.
This criticism forced Padma to post a clarification on her social media page, which read: “The IYER PREF was meant to be a tease. Though I should admit that is typical that mothers wish their children should be married to families whose culture we know of.”
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(Agency inputs)
