Tamil cinema is more accepting
THERE was a general perception that Tamil cinema wasn’t too kind to transgenders – but not any more.
It is heartening to finally see some Tamil film-makers portraying transgender characters with dignity. The industry may still be a while from signing transgender actors in key roles, but the change is slowly happening.
In Vijay Antony’s Tamil action-drama Thimiru Pudichavan, director Ganeshaa created a transgender character played by Sindhu, a transgender actress, for his police tale. Sindhu plays a police constable in the film.
“The idea was to create employability for transgender people. We hear stories of people from this community shining across professions. Why not give them opportunities in cinema? Sindhu’s character was inspired by Tamil Nadu’s first transgender policewoman, Prithika Yashini,” Ganeshaa told IANS, adding that he received immense support from his hero.
“When I pitched the idea of roping in Sindhu to play this character to Vijay Antony, I expected some opposition. But he was quite encouraging, and he had no qualms about sharing screen space with Sindhu. I’m not sure how many heroes will be open to the idea.”
Talking about the experience of being a part of the project, Sindhu said she would always be indebted to her director and hero. “It was very gratifying to see myself in the role of a police constable.
“In real life, we don’t get to be anyone else, but this role gave me an identity. I was treated with respect on the sets and never faced any kind of discrimination. I’m really thankful to my director and hero.”
In Mammootty-starrer Peranbu, Anjali Ameer, a transgender actress from Kerala, played a crucial role.
In a promotional interview days after the release of the film, Anjali said that through her character, Meera, people had started to see the transgender community in a new light.
Actress Anjali, who worked with Anjali Ameer in the film, said she found her to be really strong from within.
“I didn’t have scenes with her, but I saw her working on the sets. I’m really proud of what she has achieved.
“In Naadodigal 2, I worked with another transgender actor and what I find inspiring about them is that they are really strong from inside. They work with so much passion and nothing can affect their inner strength.”
Director Ram said that when he was on the lookout for a trans-woman for the role, it was Mammootty who suggested Anjali Ameer.
“Mammootty had met Anjali on a television programme. When I told him the story requires such a character, he immediately suggested Anjali Ameer’s name.
“When more film-makers and actors are open to the idea of working with people from the transgender community, the change will automatically happen.”