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Cinema and art have seen a refreshing representation of unconventional characters and narratives, with the spotlight on the other gender in films and shows serving as a much-needed catalyst for change.

With the emergence of Ott platforms, these narratives have broken free from traditional shackles, inviting audiences to embrace diversity, challenge stereotypes, and redefine acceptance.

Many films and shows have emerged that sensitively portray transgender characters, shedding light on their struggles, triumphs, and unique stories.

Here’s a list of five must-watch films and shows available on various Ott platforms that capture their stories:

Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui

Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, it is a romantic film that revolves around a love story set in the vibrant city of Chandigarh. The film follows the journey of a bodybuilder, portrayed by Ayushmann Khurrana, who unexpectedly falls in love with a Zumba teacher, played by Vaani Kapoor. Unaware of her identity as a transgender,...

The creators of ‘Taali’, Arjun Singgh Baran and Kartk D Nishandar, have opened up on how Sushmita Sen and transgender social activist Shreegauri Sawant bonded over a ‘common’ factor.

Sushmita will portray one of the boldest avatar as ‘Shreegauri Sawant’ in the upcoming series ‘Taali’.

The teaser gave a sneak peek of the courageous quest of struggles, resilience and triumph of the transgender activist.

Talking about the common bonding factor between Sushmita and Shreegauri, the duo said: “Imagine having to petition to be recognised as a gender. Shreegauri Sawant’s story will reveal how many odds citizens like her have to face.”

“She is a huge inspiration as a human-being who not only triumphed over societal challenges but also adopted the daughter of a deceased AIDS patient. Both Sushmita and Shreegauri Sawant are adoptive mothers, and bonded closely over this common factor,” they shared.

Sushmita is a mother of two adopted daughters.

Having starred alongside Sushmita Sen, as siblings in the two seasons of the critically acclaimed series ‘Aarya’, actor Ankur Bhatia has now reunited with the actress again for the biographical drama ‘Taali’.

In the Ravi Jadhav directorial, Ankur will be seen in a bold choice of role as a gay activist. The role celebrates diversity and inclusivity.

Talking about his role in the series, Ankur revealed: “In the show, I play the character of Navin, who is a gay activist, and the biggest supporter of Gauri Sawant, played by Sushmita Sen.”

In the crime thriller ‘Aarya’, Ankur had played the character of Sangram Singh Rathore, who was Aarya Sareen’s (played by Sushmita) half brother.

On his reunion with Sushmita, Ankur shared: “It brought me immense happiness and excitement to reunite with Sushmita after ‘Aarya’, and especially on this kind of a subject that carries such an important message.”

“And...

Actress Sushmita Sen is all set to portray one of the boldest avatar as the transgender activist ‘Shreegauri Sawant’, in the upcoming series ‘Taali’. The 47 seconds teaser which was unveiled on Saturday, gives a sneak peek of the courageous quest of struggles, resilience and triumph.

It starts with Sushmita’s deep and rich voice saying, “Namaskar main Gauri Sawant.” Sushmita as ‘Gauri’ is donning a grey saree with yellow blouse, a gajra on her bun. She adjusts her saree’s pallu, wearing a pendant of ‘Sai Baba’, and applies a big red bindi on the forehead, while looking herself at a mirror.

The voiceover given by the actress further says, “Jisse koi ‘Hijra’ kehta hai, koi ‘social worker’. Koi ‘nautanki’ bulata hai koi ‘gamechanger’. Ye kahani isi safar ki hai. Gaali se Taali Tak.”

Gauri is seen sitting with a panel on stage, and the crowd is clapping for her.

TV actor Tarun Khanna talks about portraying the character of ‘Balaji Vishwanath’, who is Bajirao’s father in the show ‘Kashibai Bajirao Ballal’ and how his co-actor Aishwarya Narkar helped him in learning the Marathi dialect for his role. He is playing the role of a soldier in the army of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. Tarun Khanna […]...

Popular Marathi actress Aishwarya Narkar is seen playing the role of the mother of ‘Bajirao Ballal’ in the show ‘Kashibai Bajirao Ballal’. Her name in the historical drama is ‘Radhabai’, who is a strict disciplinarian, a loving mother, and a caring wife. The actress talks about her character and the reason for taking up this […]...

New Dehli, Sep 9: From Arbaaz Khan and Arindam Chaudhuri to Anant Mahadevan and Aishwarya Narkar, they all said that receiving a National Film Award from President Pratiba Patil Friday was a 'fantastic moment'.

Dadasaheb Phalke award winner veteran Tamil filmmaker Balachander said it is never too late to get an award.

'I feel happy. I'm asked whether the award has come late, and I don't think it's ever late to get an award. Whenever it comes, it is an honour. I am inspired to do more films,' he said the director of hits like 'Ek Duuje Ke Liye' and 'Sindhu Bhairavi'.

Hindi blockbuster 'Dabangg' starring.

From Arbaaz Khan and Arindam Chaudhuri to Anant Mahadevan and Aishwarya Narkar, they all said that receiving a National Film Award from President Pratiba Patil Friday was a .fantastic moment..Dadasaheb Phalke award winner veteran Tamil filmmaker Balachander said it is never too late to get an award..I feel happy. I.m asked whether the award has come late, and I don.t think it.s ever late to get an award. Whenever it comes, it is an honour. I am inspired to do more films,. he said the director of hits like .Ek Duuje Ke Liye. and .Sindhu Bhairavi..Hindi blockbuster .Dabangg. starring Salman Khan won the best popular film award..It feels great and it has been a fantastic journey,. Arbaaz told Ians when asked to describe the journey of his debut production .Dabangg. from box office hits to popular awards to national awards.Arindam Chaudhuri.s...