New Delhi: 'Rainbow Rishta’, an unscripted docu-series that explores the theme of queer love, has earned a nomination in the outstanding documentary category at the 35th annual GLAAD Media Awards. This is for the first time an Indian unscripted series on queer love is being acknowledged at this prestigious award.   


Rainbow Rishta, which premiered on Prime Video in November 2023,  encapsulates six real-life love stories and experiences of members of the LGBTQIA+ community from India who move mountains to make their seemingly impossible dreams come true.  


The six narratives weave a vibrant tapestry, encompassing a range of stories such as vow exchanging ceremony between a doting couple, the dilemma of a 30-year-old drag queen navigating their first date, the challenges faced by a young lesbian couple in Assam in search of a home, the story of a solitary man hoping to find love again, a doctor/ actor’s tryst of evading the world of casual dating, and a couple embarking on an adventurous road trip to Hampi to test the waters.


These narratives are intricately linked through a common theme - the profound expression of love. They delve into the realms of seeking companionship, taking bold risks, nurturing families, grappling with loneliness, and collaboratively building homes.  


The series is written by Monisha Thyagarajan, Navin Noronha, and Sneha Nair, and is directed by Jaydeep Sarkar, along with story directors – Hridaye A. Nagpal and Shubhra Chatterji.  


In the outstanding documentary category, "Rainbow Rishta" will compete with nine other titles, including "Beyond the Aggressives: 25 Years Later", "Eldorado: Everything the Nazis Hate", "Every Body", "Kokomo City", "Little Richard: I Am Everything", and "Orlando, My Political Biography". 


Aparna Purohit, head of Originals, India and Southeast Asia, Prime Video, described the show as a celebration of love in its myriad forms. 


"It's a moment of true pride and honor for us to be nominated at the 35th edition of the prestigious GLAAD Media Awards and we express our gratitude to our creators for delivering this authentic representation, and a heartfelt appreciation to our cast for graciously allowing us into their lives," Purohit said in a statement. 


The awards ceremonies will take place in Los Angeles on March 14 and in New York City on May 11.