In 2000, when Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai was released, Hrithik Roshan became an instant icon for millions across India. In Nagpur, six-year-old Ashish Chopra discovered his first love on screen, completely captivated by Hrithik’s charm and good looks.

“I found him so attractive and good looking. I would keep talking about him at school and became the butt of jokes because of it,” he recalls.

Growing up in the 90s, he faced constant bullying at school. “Boys would also bully me and call me names, as I was a little feminine," Ashish admits. At home, his parents were often fighting, leaving him to cope with his struggles alone.

Ashish knew from a young age that he was gay. At 16, he decided to come out to his school friends, who were supportive. “It was only when my friends read up on it and told me that this was normal that I breathed a sigh of relief,” he shares.

He was then eager to tell someone else, so he confided in his older brother, Vishesh, who was studying in Mumbai at the time. Ashish didn’t have the courage to call him, so he decided to send a text.

“I’ve known this for the past few years,” Vishesh responded. “Why are you scared? Go enjoy your ice cream.”

“What a boring reaction,” Ashish replied. But it was the start of a heartfelt conversation. The conversation ended with Vishesh reassuring Ashish that he had always known his brother was gay, that he was there for him, and that there was nothing wrong with how he felt.

Ashish describes the support from his brother as life-changing. “His acceptance meant the world to me. It was a huge burden off my shoulders. I finally felt like I had someone in my corner,” he says.

Vishesh played a key role in Ashish's journey, but there were hurdles with their mother, Simmi Nanda.

After their parents' divorce, during a family function, Simmi commented on Ashish's feminine dance moves. “Vishesh and my cousin sister told her that I was gay,” says Ashish, who was 19 at the time.

Simmi took time to accept her son's truth. She did not speak to Ashish for six months after the revelation. “It was a rough phase. But after she took her time, she accepted me,” Ashish shares.

“Now, our relationship is great. She asks me about my dating life, and I ask if she’s meeting anyone. We share all our secrets,” he adds.

Simmi now actively participates in Sweekar, a support group for parents of LGBTQ children. Both brothers emphasise the importance of family support in the coming-out process.

“Now, our relationship is great. She asks me about my dating life, and I ask if she’s meeting anyone. We share all our secrets,” he adds.