The story revolves around Dr. Siras, who was suspended from his university in 2010 after being caught in a sting operation that invaded his privacy and exposed his sexual orientation. Despite being a respected academic and the head of the Department of Modern Indian Languages, Siras became the target of homophobia and societal judgment. The film sensitively portrays his struggle for dignity, privacy, and justice in the face of overwhelming discrimination.
Manoj Bajpayee’s portrayal of Dr. Siras was widely praised, earning him accolades for his nuanced and heartfelt performance. Rajkummar Rao’s role as a journalist who empathizes with Siras added further emotional depth to the film. Aligarh not only raises critical questions about LGBTQ+ rights in India but also serves as a reflection on privacy and the human right to live with dignity.
Though a modest box office performer, Aligarh made a lasting cultural impact, sparking conversations about tolerance, equality, and the deeply personal struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals in India.