In a landmark celebration of Pride Month, PVR INOX Ltd., India’s largest cinema exhibitor, in partnership with the Australian High Commission in India, hosted a glittering event titled “Living with Pride” at PVR INOX Director’s Cut, Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj. The event brought together over 100 dignitaries, including ambassadors, UN representatives, policymakers, artists, and distinguished voices from the LGBTQIA+ community, for a powerful conversation on diversity, inclusion, opportunity and cultural change.
The evening opened with a keynote address by the Australian High Commissioner H.E. Mr. Philip Green, OAM, followed by an engaging panel discussion featuring some of India’s most influential LGBTQIA+ advocates. The program concluded with a screening of the globally acclaimed Australian film ‘The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’, a cult classic known for its unapologetic celebration of queer identity.
“Advocating for the equal rights of LGBTQIA+ persons internationally is a priority for the Australian Government. Pride Month is a time to celebrate diversity, resilience and the contribution of LGBTQIA+ communities around the world, including here in India, and to listen to their stories. In recognition of the important role that cinema’s storytelling can play in shaping perspectives, reflecting cultures and driving social change, the screening of the iconic Australian film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert during Pride Month is as relevant today as it was 30 years ago, when it sashayed onto screens worldwide. The Australian High Commission is thrilled to collaborate with PVR INOX in bringing together this meaningful and vibrant celebration to commemorate Pride Month. ” said High Commissioner Green.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Niharika Bijli, Lead – Strategist, PVR INOX Ltd., reflected on the significance of cinematic spaces in shaping inclusive narratives: “Cinema, at its core, reflects society and reshapes it. At PVR INOX, we are deeply committed to building cultural spaces where every identity is seen, respected, and celebrated. Living with Pride is a reminder that storytelling can be one of the most powerful tools for transformation.”
The heart of the evening was the Living with Pride panel, moderated by High Commissioner Green, featuring powerful voices across advocacy, art, law, and public life.
Aishwarya Ayushman aka Lush Monsoon, a human rights lawyer and one of India’s leading drag performers, highlighted how the fusion of advocacy and performance empowers queer voices to challenge norms and reclaim joy. Harish Iyer, equal rights activist and Head of DEI at Axis Bank, stressed that true inclusion must resonate through policy, corporate culture, and community engagement. Keshav Suri, Executive Director of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, asserted that empathetic business leadership can drive meaningful social change. Anish Gawande, NCP spokesperson and founder of Pink List India, emphasised the importance of political visibility, noting that queerness must find space not just in culture but in governance and policymaking.
With this event, PVR INOX deepens its role as not just a cinema brand but as a platform for inclusive narratives and cultural leadership. Through curated screenings, collaborations, and public discourse, the organization continues to affirm that LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights—and that public spaces must reflect the full spectrum of the communities they serve.