![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/bollywood-the-trans-icon-played-by-a-non-trans-star/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/127399104_sushmita_2_getty976.jpg&description=Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Sushmita Sen is now filming the role of trans activist Gauri SawantThe leading role in a Bollywood film about a transgender activist has been given to the non-trans actress, Sushmita Sen, a former Miss Universe. The decision has divided opinion among India's trans community with some arguing it should have gone to one of many trans actresses waiting for their big break.The audition had gone well. Navya Singh was up for the role of the best friend of the leading lady. She had delivered her lines with a confidence that didn't tip into arrogance. She had been friendly with just a flash of sexiness, but not enough to steal limelight. She had, most importantly, remembered her lines. Yet once she finished, the room remained silent for longer than was comfortable. Finally, one of the casting directors spoke up."But what are you?" he asked Navya, "a woman or a man?""I felt my heart sink to my feet," Navya says. "It was the kind of brash comment I had become used to as an actress in Bollywood. But it never got easier."Image source, Navya SinghAt the age of 18, Navya had moved from rural Bihar to Mumbai, the hub of the Hindi film industry, or Bollywood, where she came out as a trans woman.Once there she started mixing with LGBT dancers and models, designers and actors. Some were recognisable household names involved in the country's most famous movies and advertising campaigns, but others were struggling, especially the trans members of the community. Several people she knew turned to sex work between film, dancing and modelling roles, in order to survive. "Work for trans people is scarce in Bollywood," she says. "You audition for fashion shows or films but rarely hear back. Even gay fashion designers or producers don't open the door for us." Some work did come though. Navya took to the catwalk for fashion shows and modelled for Grazia magazine. She became a finalist and brand ambassador for Miss Trans Queen India, the largest beauty p){kind=link}
The leading role in a Bollywood film about a transgender activist has been given to the non-trans actress, Sushmita Sen, a former Miss Universe. The decision has divided opinion among India’s trans community with some arguing it should have gone to one of many trans actresses waiting for their big break.
The audition had gone well.
Navya Singh was up for the role of the best friend of the leading lady. She had delivered her lines with a confidence that didn’t tip into arrogance. She had been friendly with just a flash of sexiness, but not enough to steal limelight. She had, most importantly, remembered her lines.
Yet once she finished, the room remained silent for longer than was comfortable.
Finally, one of the casting directors spoke up.