Gul Panag is not a celebrity who is prepared to hold back when it comes to matters of social concern. She recently spoke out in favour of equal rights in India in respect of sexuality and sexual orientation: “I don’t think the government or the society should meddle with people’s right to choose their sexual orientation,” she says. “It’s a very personal matter and their personal choice should be treated with respect.”

Gul will soon be seen in Straight – Ek Tedhi Medhi Love Story which stars Vinay Pathak as a man unsure of his sexual orientation. “It’s a love story about a young man, who’s unsure if he is in love with a man or a woman,” explains Gul, “I am sure there are people out there who will relate to it. It’s a pity that so many of them have to lead dual lives just to fit into the society.”

The former Miss India and Maths graduate has always chosen interesting films including the much under-rated Manorama Six Feet Under, which was inspired by Roman Polanski’s Chinatown. “I have always aspired to do different roles,” she confides, “I want to leave my foot prints in the history of cinema and wish to be remembered as a credible actor. Mere dancing and singing around trees doesn’t satisfy me.”

Gul will soon be seen in A Rectangular Love Story with Ranvir Shorey and Hello Darling with Rajpal Yadav, Celina Jaitley and Eesha Koppikar.