"I do feel that films have contributed as far as acceptance is concerned. But in our films, homosexuals have mostly been portrayed as caricatures and the main issue has not been tackled. So I won't want to take away the credit of this judgement from people who have really worked for it for years. They are the real people," he added.

Another critically acclaimed filmmaker, Madhur Bhandarkar, who touched upon the homosexuality issue in his successful movies "Page 3" and "Fashion", says it's high time society opened up and created space for these people.

"It is a historic decision and brings big relief to the gay community. They have been fighting for years for their rights and finally the day has arrived. I believe now society has to shed its inhibitions and accept them because it takes a lot to change the mindset of people which indeed would be a slow process," said Bhandarkar.

Esha Koppikhar is one of the rare Bollywood actresses to have played a homosexual in "Girlfriend". She feels the verdict will help homosexuals come out of the closet and lead a normal life.

She said: "People have a right to choose their partner as life is beautiful and you want to be with someone you love irrespective of your sexual orientation.

"It's good that now homosexuals would be open about their sexual preferences unlike before when they used to be shy about it. It would have been difficult for them otherwise. After all, who wants to live a life of dual identity?"