This is an exclusive conversation between legendary stage and Hollywood actor Sir Ian McKellen and Parmesh Shahani, head of the Godrej India Culture Lab that was recorded in Mumbai on Sir Ian's 77^th birthday. Sir Ian spoke frankly and emotionally about his personal journey of coming out as a gay man, using his celebrity to influence decision-making in the fight for equal rights, and his hope in the future for the LGBTI movement in India. Also, Sir Ian received a surprise gift at the end of the video. Don’t miss it!

 Sir Ian McKellen visited Mumbai to launch the BFI Shakespeare on Film package in India, a global tour of Shakespeare on screen to mark the 400 year anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. British Council will be screening 10 of these films across 10 cities in India for the duration of 2016 as part of the Shakespeare Lives programme. For details and to find screenings near you, visit www.britishcouncil.in and www.shakespearelives.org. You can also follow updates of screenings and other Shakespeare Lives activity on Twitter and Facebook with @inBritish and British Council India #ShakespeareLives #McKellenInIndia

 Follow the Godrej India Culture Lab on @indiaculturelab on Twitter to get updates about our activities and forthcoming events.