Celina Jaitley gets hate mail

Bollywood actress Celina Jaitley has been receiving hate mail after getting behind the gay rights movement.

The former Miss Universe finalist became a target for anti-gay campaigners after appearing at the re-launch of gay publication Bombay Dust.

Her email account has been bombarded with abusive messages, some of which accused her of being a lesbian.

Jaitley said at the launch of the magazine: "It saddens me that people have so much hatred towards sexual minorities and people who show them support.

"It’s also unfortunate that people have not stopped their hatred against the gay community but have only learnt to mask it."

The 27-year-old former Miss India has not confirmed or denied her sexual orientation since appearing at the event.

In India, homosexual relations are deemed "unnatural sex" by legislation and are therefore forbidden, with those caught engaging in them liable to face criminal charges.