Sushmita Sen answers if a transgender actor should have played lead role in Taali: ‘It’s Gauri’s story… she chose me’

Sushmita Sen talks about stepping into the shoes of transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant for web show Taali and the love and brickbats that came along.

Written by Sana Farzeen

Fans haven’t stopped lauding Sushmita Sen, who has magically transformed herself into transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant, for Taali. The JioCinema original series is set for an Independence Day release and will bring to life the story of Ganesh and the adversities she faced as she became Gauri, and the never-ending struggles that followed. For Sushmita, it was a happy moment when the offer came but it wasn’t an immediate yes. “I met the makers, there were a number of back and forth. It was after meeting Gauri that I knew a lot of people can do this role but I would do it with the most amount of love,” the actor told indianexpress.com.

From getting the look to tuning the voice to match the character, Sushmita’s efforts are clearly visible in the trailer. The actor shared that they did not want to cheat on anything and keep it real. She shared that while the look was predesigned, she worked with Atul Mongia to get the body language correct. Sushmita also lauded the stylist for her intensive detailing. “She did unbelievable homework with not just Gauri but also Ganesh’s looks. Gauri wears the watch with the dial inside, or a black thread and rudraksh. Everything about her has been done just the same way,” the former Miss Universe shared. Sushmita added that she worked separately with Gauri and there were also teachers and transgender actors on set to guide them, especially in scenes that required a ritual or certain habitual mannerisms.

As for the voice, the actor said that the team was clear they do not want to mimic or make it look like a caricature. “The director was adamant we won’t use prosthetics for the looks and be honest to the part. Getting the look of Ganesh and Gauri had different problems and so decided to not focus on the voice then, and dub it entirely. I went closest to the mic and worked on the base multiple times before we got the note right. Imaandari se karna tha yeh (we had to do this with sincerity). And not just me, the other actors also worked really hard and if we did falter, we said no problem, because it needs to sound honest first.”

When asked if there were certain moments while playing the part that left an impact on her, the Aarya actor quickly replied, “Quite a few places.” She then elaborated on how there is a monologue in the show where Gauri talks about the community that left her shaken. “Gauri is known for her speeches and way with words. However, we don’t have too many of them as those are hers and already available. There is this one big monologue that we shot without a cut. What is being said there is a tribute to the community. I was so angry and crying and personally, so deeply invested in that scene. I honestly feel Sushmita and Gauri came together for that scene.” Gauri, as she is fondly called, filed a petition in the Supreme Court for adoption rights of transgender people. She also was a petitioner in the case in which the SC recognised transgender as the third gender.

While the actor has been receiving love from the audience, there is a section of the audience who felt that Shreegauri could have done the part herself. Many also pointed out how a transgender actor could have also been given a chance to do it. When asked whether such noise hurts her given she’s worked hard for the project, Sushmita said that while they are not wrong, it was Gauri’s choice to have her play the part.

Sushmita said, “I think in a greater conversation they are not wrong. It is time all talented people are hired for the job irrespective of their gender or if the role demands it. But in this case, firstly Gauri chose me. I didn’t know about this show, had no idea. She made sure that the makers approached me with the offer. I will forever remain in her debt for it allowed me a bigger voice through her story. So that doesn’t trouble me because it just it’s not a general story but her story. She has every right to choose. As for me, as an actor and human being, every opportunity that I get to celebrate inclusiveness, I unapologetically embrace it with both hands. I won’t wait for gaali or taali because I believe this is the call I was born to do. I will use every platform to encourage inclusivity.”

The actor added that projects like Taali are important as it’s a step towards understanding gender politics and portraying it in the right way in cinema. Referring to the “Dola Re” performance of Ranveer Singh and Tota Roy Chowdhury in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Sushmita said, “Every step that we are taking towards gender fluidity is important, including the song and dance of the two men in the film. Everything we are talking about as examples… why do we appreciate it? Because it’s a step forward toward the right direction. It may not be a gigantic step but it’s an initiative. As for Taali, it’s a leap of faith, a very big one. It has too many firsts but its also an important step in the right direction.”

Courtesy : TIE

Note: This news piece was originally published in theindianexpress.com and used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes exclusively for Human Right