Not Just Akshay Kumar, Here Are 9 Actors Who Played Transgender Roles With Greatness
Before you assume that Akshay Kumar's role in his upcoming film is a first for transgender representation in Bollywood, below listed actors played transgender roles to prominence.
Representation matters.
For instance, web-series like Paatal Lok actually cast a transgender actor for the role of one. But, Bollywood is far behind in understanding that. The norm for most studios and production houses to date is to rope in an established actor and have them play transgender on-screen The message of exclusivity, respect, and acceptance for transgenders goes out to audiences across the country, and for now, that's okay too.
Before you assume that Akshay Kumar's role in his upcoming film is a first for transgender representation in Bollywood, below listed actors played transgender roles to prominence.
1. Ashutosh Rana
Ashutosh Rana / Twitter
Before the release of the film Sangharsh in 1999, Bollywood had never seen a more terrifying and vengeful villain than acclaimed actor Ashutosh Rana's character Lajja Shankar Panday. Not only did Rana play a transgender but showcased how adding a third-gender to a Bollywood storyline can truly uplift the narrative. He also took home the Filmfare Aware For The Best Villain too!
2. Paresh Rawal
Paresh Rawal in Tamanna / Twitter
One of Paresh Rawal's highly loved performances not just by his ardent fans but even the critics have to be the role of Tikku in the film Tamanna. Not your typical Bollywood film but here Rawal's character is the lead of the film who decides to raise a girl Tamanna and give her all the happiness and love that she couldn't get.
3. Mahesh Manjrekar
Mahesh Manjrekar in Rajjo / Twitter
It is never easy playing a eunuch but an actor who deserves immense appreciation for being as authentic with his character is Mahesh Manrejkar who expertly played the role of Begum in Rajjo. The mannerisms, hand gestures, and nuances showcased were truly exceptional!
4. Prashant Narayanan
Prashant Narayanan in Murder 2 / Twitter
Actor Prashant Narayanan in Murder 2 was outstanding with his portrayal as a deadly villain. With looks to kill and intelligence that matched an extraordinary wit, Dheeraj Pandey as a character was well-written and surely gave us sleepless nights.
5. Sadashiv Amrapurkar
Sadashiv Amrapurkar in Sadak / Twitter
Maybe it's Sadashiv Amrapurkar's splendid ability to just act well or maybe it was just how well written his character of Maharani in Sadak was, he truly set a precedent for exactly how a villain should be.
6. Prakash Raj
Prakash Raj as Appu / Twitter
Prakash Raj is hailed as the first Bollywood actor to play a transgender on screen for the very first time in Tamil Cinema. His character of Maharani in the film Appu proved yet again how he can make any role work.
7. Raghava Lawrence
Raghava Lawrence / Instagram
The director of Akshay Kumar's Laxmii actually starred as a man who has been haunted by a transgender ghost in the film Kanchana. His portrayal calls for a must-watch even when you don't know Tamil.
8. Johnny Lever
Johnny Lever / Twitter
Is there any role Johnny Lever can't do? He is the only Bollywood actor who has played a transgender role several times without hurting the sentiments of the community or giving rise to a controversy. Such an under-appreciated comical genius!
9. Nirmal Pandey
Nirmal Pandey in Daayra / Twitter
Daring and original, Nirmal Pandey in Daayra that released in 1996 was groundbreaking as his portrayal of a transvestite. Uniquely, he won the best actress award at France¡¯s Valenciennes Film Festival for the film, which he shared with female lead Sonali Kulkarni.
