Vaani Kapoor’s latest film is Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, in which she plays a trans woman. Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, Ayushmann Khurrana is also currently in theaters.
In a recent interview, Vaani said that casting and starring in the film was part of an effort to stay away from the usual, stereotypical image of trans people.
Speaking about how trans people are widely perceived by people who are either ignorant or unaware, Vaani said in an interview with Film Companion’s Anupama Chopra, “There are so many backward people who have always referred to a man who wore women’s clothing. Either you become the butt of a joke or something very unusual. This stigma or phobia that clings to something abnormal on them, this is something from which one tried to stay away and create a sense of normalcy. “So that people can accept them.”
Vaani added that the cast and crew of the film hoped to start a dialogue about the acceptance of trans people in the wider community. He said, “At least there is a dialogue that can start and people can break this preconceived notion that they live with. “So that people can see trans people with a different lens.”
Read also: Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui Review: Refreshingly different. Vaani Kapoor steals the show, Ayushmann Khurrana scores well
However, the actor added that when he first signed for the film, he was afraid of how its interpretation would be perceived by the members of the trans community themselves. “I was afraid the community might not be able to connect with or resonate with it. My fear was that it seemed like an attempt to go wrong. “Of course, it can go right or wrong, but I did not want them to feel that it was another caricature, ridiculous or half-baked, with half a heart trying to play a trans girl in a Hindi movie,” he said.
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