New Delhi: John and Abhishek play best friends and not gay couple in the upcoming film Dostana , says director Tarun Mansukhani.

"They don't behave as gay. They behave as normal friends," says Tarun, who turns director for the first time after assisting Karan Johar in Kal Ho Na Ho .

"In fact, gays never behave in any particular way. Their behaviour is not different from all of us. Its our own perception about gays that makes us think that they behave in a particular way," he clarifies, while adding that he has not stereotyped the gay community in Dostana .

"John and Abhishek lie that they are a gay couple, and so all other characters presumes them to be gay, which brings in the fun quotient to the film," he says.

When asked about why he chose gay theme in the film, he says, "Bollywood has made films on a variety of subjects like child abuse, drug abuse, extra martial affairs, sexual exploitation, etc. But no films have been made on gay sexuality till now. So I added it to the film. And these days, everyone specially the younger generation jokes about gay.

But the film is not about gay sexuality. Its basically about friendship and its ups and downs."

Dostana stars Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, Priyanka Chopra, Shilpa Shetty and has Bobby Deol in a special appearance.