Indian cinema and OTT have finally brought us some unforgettable trans Indian characters, and not the kind stuck in the background or used as punchlines.
We’ve got Shreegauri Sawant in Taali, who fights for rights with a ferocity that’s inspiring, and Meher Chaughary in Made in Heaven, who’s not just a character but a statement—fierce, unapologetic, and real.
These aren’t just stories about being trans; they’re stories about standing your ground, living on your own terms, and, let’s face it, giving stereotypes a well-deserved kick.
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Shreegauri Sawant in Taali (2023)
- Played by: Sushmita Sen
- Where to Watch: JioCinema
We love Gauri because she’s unapologetically herself, period. Taali shows her fight for dignity, acceptance, and legal recognition of trans rights in India. And let’s be real—having Sushmita Sen portray this character? It adds that extra layer of class and strength.
Gauri’s story is about more than just being a trans Indian woman; it’s about standing up to a system that was built to keep people like her down. We’re rooting for her because her journey feels personal—everyone’s had moments where they’ve had to stand up for who they are, just maybe not as intensely as Gauri.
Breaking stereotypes: Trans women in media have usually been relegated to minor or tragic roles (remember those brief appearances in movies where they’re just there for a moment, and then… poof?). But Gauri’s portrayal breaks that by putting a trans woman’s life front and centre, showing her not as a victim but as a powerful force who demands change. It’s about time.
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Meher Chaudhary in Made in Heaven (Season 2, 2023)
- Played by: Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Meher is a character who isn’t here for your pity. As one of the first openly trans actors playing a trans character in Indian OTT, Meher’s arc in Made in Heaven is a breath of fresh air. Her story is woven into the glamorous, complicated world of wedding planning, but her personal battles—be it dealing with prejudice or standing her ground at work—are what make us root for her.
Plus, let’s talk about the representation here—she’s a confident, fierce professional in an industry that’s all about appearances, showing that trans women can thrive in any space they choose.
Breaking stereotypes: Meher isn’t a sidekick or a token character; she’s a fully realised person with hopes, dreams, and professional goals. Her existence in this series normalises the presence of trans women in everyday life instead of sticking to the same old “tragic outcast” narrative.
This is a trans woman who’s successful, unapologetic, and doesn’t need anyone’s validation. Love that for her.
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Cheeni in Paatal Lok (2020)
- Played by: Mairembam Ronaldo Singh
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Cheeni may not have had the most screen time, but boy did she leave an impact. Her role shines a light on the exploitation and marginalisation faced by the trans community in smaller towns.
She’s a transgender sex worker who deals with society’s harshest judgements but still manages to keep her dignity intact. We loved her because, despite everything, she remains resilient and proud of who she is.
Breaking stereotypes: Transgender characters in Indian media have often been shown as caricatures or comic relief. Cheeni, however, brings a harsh reality to the table without falling into the trap of victimhood. Her role forces the audience to see her as a human being with a story worth telling. This isn’t your usual trans character tucked away in the background for a quick emotional punch—Anarkali’s struggles are shown with respect and authenticity.
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Kukoo in Sacred Games (2018)
- Played by: Kubbra Sait
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Ah, Kukoo—glamorous, confident, and mysterious. When Kukoo steps onto the screen, you’re hooked. She’s Ganesh Gaitonde’s love interest, but more than that, she’s a character who stands her ground, even when she knows her truth will break hearts.
Kukoo’s beauty and charm are undeniable, and the fact that she hides her trans identity for fear of rejection is a gut punch that sticks with you. We loved her because, even though her story ends tragically, she lived her life fully on her own terms.
Breaking stereotypes: Kukoo’s portrayal challenges the “tragic trans character” trope, but at the same time, it’s a reminder of how society still forces trans women to hide their truth. She’s not portrayed as someone to pity, though. Kukoo is fierce, bold, and refuses to be reduced to just her gender identity. The character showed that trans women are so much more than the labels society tries to force on them.
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Shilpa in Super Deluxe (2019)
- Played by: Vijay Sethupathi
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Shilpa, hands down, is one of the most groundbreaking characters in Indian cinema. She returns home after transitioning and deals with the fallout of her decision. The movie gives Shilpa depth, empathy, and most importantly, respect.
Shilpa’s journey isn’t sugar-coated—she’s flawed, she’s real, and she’s brave. We love her because she represents the struggle for acceptance—both self-acceptance and from society.
Breaking stereotypes: Shilpa breaks free from the outdated portrayal of trans women as either comic relief or tragic figures. She’s a person who has made choices, struggled with them, and continues to face judgement.
What’s refreshing is that the movie doesn’t reduce her to just her trans identity—she’s also a parent, a partner, and an individual with her own complexities.
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Maanvi Brar in Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui (2021)
- Played by: Vaani Kapoor
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Maanvi Brar is a young transgender woman who navigates the complex world of dating as a trans woman. She’s here to break stereotypes while fighting the taboo of transgenderness in India.
Maanvi’s unapologetic nature and her refusal to be anything but herself make her a standout, especially in a mainstream Bollywood narrative that rarely gives space for trans women to be the leading lady. Her story is about loving yourself first, and it hits home.
Breaking stereotypes: Maanvi breaks free from the typical mould, where trans women are rarely given a leading role in Indian cinema. She’s more than just her identity; she’s a complex character with hopes, dreams, and flaws. The movie pushes Bollywood a step forward by putting a trans woman front and centre in a love story that doesn’t shy away from her identity. Maanvi’s character refuses to be a “teaching moment” or a tragic tale—she’s just living her life on her terms.
Shivani Bhatnagar in Pati Patni Aur Panga (2020)
- Played by: Adah Sharma
- Where to Watch: MX Player
Shivani Bhatnagar in Pati Patna aur Panga aimed to break stereotypes or challenge orthodox Indian beliefs by revealing her transgender identity to her husband. The movie and the role had mixed reactions from the audience.
While many applauded Adah’s role, the transgender community, particularly, was not happy since some of the elements, like Adah peeing while standing up despite having sex reassignment surgery, seemed ignorant.
These characters aren’t just here to make a statement—they’re here to make space. Indian media is finally catching on that trans characters don’t have to be tragic, comedic, or a “side dish” to the main plot. They can be layered, powerful, flawed, and proud, just like anyone else. And if this is the new direction? We’re here for it.