Bursting the Bubble: Sushmita Sen portraying a transgender in Taali is the new wave that Bollywood needs

Just a while ago, the trailer of Sushmita Sen’s film Taali dropped. Ironically, its release is on the day of freedom (15th August). As I watched the elegant Sushmita Sen portray the role of Shreegauri Sawant with utter grace, I couldn’t help but be flattered. A story where she fights for the basic rights of transgender equality in India, is certainly the one to be told. What also appealed to me was how progressive a turn Bollywood has taken. With a mainstream actress effortlessly dabbling into the role or even the skin of a transgender is the nayi soch.

Watch Taali’s trailer here:

Yes, it is indeed progressive. I say this because, in Bollywood versions of transgenders, marginalized characters like these have been subjected to mockery. They have been made fun of or ridiculed for the laughs in several comedy films. Then came 2020, a year that was the game-changer for the portrayal of transgenders in Hindi films. With Akshay Kumar starrer Laxmii, it all began, Sharad Kelkar’s portrayal of the titular character, did create a small impact. In 2021, Ayushmann Khurrana and Vaani Kapoor’s Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui addressed the transgender struggles in an even better and slightly aggressive manner. But all this until 2023 and Sushmita Sen starrer Taali has just been scratching the surface.

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Sushmita brings a new wave with Taali

Sushmita Sen’s Taali which is said to be a biopic, has been the new wave Indian cinema needed. In terms of the story, the writing, and the performance, it is all hard-hitting and progressive. The way Sushmita has gauged the nuances, and the body language of the third gender is truly commendable. Not just that, the trailer even highlights how deep into this experimental territory the former Miss Universe has delved into. Well, you don’t see an actress always take up a bold and challenging role like this one.

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In the past, we have seen men take up transgender roles, but in the present, women too don’t hesitate in telling a story that might be out of their comfort zone but needs to be told. For the future, there is Nawazudding Siddiqui another brilliant performer who will bring to us his version of the gender with Haddi. But this little progress towards gender equality in Bollywood surely needs to be lauded.

Also Read: Taali trailer: 5 hard-hitting dialogues from Sushmita Sen starrer that are totally clap worthy

Nawaz Kochra

Nawaz Kochra has been an experienced journalist in the entertainment arena for the last 9 years. Worked with the biggest brands in the media fraternity, he now heads the editorial desk at Bollywood Bubble. In addition to that, he even hosts a podcast called, Let’s Talk with Bollywood Bubble. Someone who is calm, yet a firecracker, and holds a balanced opinion about things, Nawaz is strong-headed and determined. He loves films as well as web shows and TV (yes, he is from that generation!), and that’s why writing about them is more of a passion for him than just a job.