Ashutosh Rana in Sangharsh (1999)
One of the darkest yet iconic transgender portrayals in Bollywood is Lajja Shankar Pandey by Ashutosh Rana in the 1999 psychological thriller film Sangharsh. His performance was highly praised for its menacing portrayal.
Vaani Kapoor in Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui (2021)
Vaani received critical acclaim for her portrayal of a transgender woman named Maanvi in the 2021 film Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui. Her character avoided stereotypes, focusing on vulnerability and strength, and aided in starting conversations on LGBTQ+ inclusion in India.
Bobby Darling in Kyaa Kool Hai Hum (2005)
Pakhi Sharma aka Bobby Darling, is widely recognised as Bollywood's first mainstream trans icon. She played a transwoman in Kyaa Kool Hai Hum (as Kiran).
Vijay Raaz in Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)
Vijay received critical acclaim for his intense performance as the trans woman antagonist, Raziabai, in the 2022 film Gangubai Kathiawadi. While many praised his acting, many argued that transgender actors should have been cast for the role.
Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju in Made in Heaven Season 2
India’s first transgender doctor, Trinetra, made her acting debut as Meher Chaudhry in Made in Heaven Season 2 (2023), playing a transgender woman in the series.
Mahesh Manjrekar in Rajjo (2013)
The actor-director played a transgender character named Begum, who runs a brothel, in the 2013 Bollywood film Rajjo. His performance was widely applauded by critics and audiences alike.
Arif Zakaria in Darmiyaan: In Between (1997)
Arif played the pivotal role of a transgender character named Immi in the 1997 film. Interestingly, it was his debut film, where he portrayed a hermaphrodite in a story about an actress discovering her son's gender identity.
Ivanka Das in Ghoomer (2023)
Ivaka, a real-life trans woman, dancer, and actress, played the character Rasika, a transwoman in R. Balki's 2023 film Ghoomer.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui in Haddi (2023)
Siddiqui played a transgender character in the 2023 ZEE5 crime drama film Haddi. He portrayed a dual role, including a transgender woman seeking vengeance in Delhi.
Sushmita Sen in Taali (2023)
Sushmita starred as transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant in the 2023 biographical drama series Taali. The series explored Gauri's fight for third-gender recognition in India, her adoption of a daughter, and her journey to becoming a prominent activist.
Akshay Kumar in Laxmii (2020)
Akshay played a transgender character in the 2020 horror-comedy film Laxmii. His character is possessed by the spirit of a transgender woman.
Sadashiv Amrapurkar in Sadak (1991)
The actor delivered an iconic performance as Maharani, a ruthless transgender brothel owner in the 1991 film Sadak. He went on to win awards for his portrayal.
Paresh Rawal in Tamanna (1997)
Paresh Rawal delivered a critically acclaimed performance as a transgender character named Tiku in the 1997 film Tamanna. Tiku adopts an abandoned baby girl, challenging social stereotypes with a heartfelt, sensitive portrayal.
Sharad Kelkar in Laxmii (2020)
Sharad Kelkar played the original Laxmi in the horror comedy, who later possesses Akshay Kumar's character.
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