Watch: Former Mr Gay India tries to “cure” his homosexuality with yoga

In response to suggestions that homosexuality can be “cured” through yoga, Mr Gay India 2014, Sushant Divgikar, set out to test the theory.

A number of spiritual leaders and practitioners of yoga in India have claimed that the practice, and certain poses (or asanas) in particular, can change gay people’s sexuality.

In a video, the 25-year-old Divgikar gamely submitted himself to the advice and “wisdom” of a yoga master.

The older man insisted that homosexuality is an aberration that can indeed be cured, and tutored Divgikar in a series of poses that should, he said, do just that.

The result? According to the video, Divgikar remained (unsurprisingly) gay, and proudly so, after the bizarre experience.

Divgikar is a model, actor, performer, singer and video jockey. In addition to winning the Mr Gay India title in 2014, he also found fame by appearing in India’s version of Big Brother, known as Bigg Boss.

Homosexuality is illegal in India, and carries penalties including life imprisonment. It is also a social taboo.

Divgikar’s successor, Mr Gay India 2015, was forced to drop out of the Mr Gay World contest after he and his family received threats from the community.

Attempts to change people’s sexuality or gender identity have been widely condemned by mental health bodies around the world as ineffective and dangerous.

Watch the video below.