In Transit review: A sensitively told docuseries on transgender experience in India
What does it mean to be visibly trans in India? There's no whataboutery about the fact that India is still largely homophobic; one look at the cases of violence on the LGBTQ+ community is enough to show why. The new four-part docuseries, backed by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti's Tiger Baby Films, attempts to bring together stories of nine transgender individuals across India as they share their lives, hearts, and hopes. It is a vital, sensitively drawn-out portrait of the challenges faced by the trans community in modern India. (Also read: Sabar Bonda review: First-ever Marathi film at Sundance is a tender, deeply moving study of queer love in rural India)
Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti had previously cast trans actor Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju in the second season of Made in Heaven for the new addition to the show, Meher. That character was in a supporting role, adding to the drama and resolving the chaos around the main plot. From there to In Transit, the resolve to showcase the trans community authentically is a noble effort. In Transit is curious but in a careful manner, where the camera is but a medium for these individuals to share their experiences with complete trust. That confidence shows in the way Archana Ghangrekar places the camera and views these people, and in the conviction with which director Ayesha Sood draws out their life stories with a degree of vulnerability.
There is a beautiful moment where Aryan speaks about his desire for a 'connection'. It arrives after Aryan has shared the story of transition, where the viewer can see the journey he has been through. Another particularly indelible revelation arrives when Rumi, a trans man and a trained classical singer, talks about the difficult relationship with his mother. When he gradually comes to know why his mother, who was a sculptor, behaved the way she did, it becomes an extraordinary moment of surrender and reconciliation. I had shivers all over my body when that moment arrived.
Gender and sexual identity are not the same, and In Transit does well by letting these voices speak for themselves on this concept. There's something somber about it, in the way these people who have had to fight for their truths all the way through, speak about their desires and hopes. Despite the tears, there are footnotes of hope. The story of Patruni, a gender-fluid drag queen, is insisted carefully here.
The interrogation is nurtured at the idea of giving every desire a name, every experience a definitive call. Even within the community, how must a trans woman perform? How are they expected to behave? These ideas arrive from a deeply heteronormative culture. As these individuals will only take a willingness to unlearn and reorient the ways we look, categorise, and decide.
This docuseries intelligently positions the multiplicity of trans experience in a country that has extreme inequity due to class divisions. Access to education, the support of parents, and the socio-economic classifications are some of the most important factors that these individuals have to confront. It is more than just acceptance; it is also about access. This is a sensitively told document that never resorts to being complacent in its tone, which is perhaps its biggest accomplishment.
However, amid all the willing affirmations, I could not help but wonder why Sood never created a sort of common space for these nine individuals to meet. Is it a judicious way of dealing with these very personal stories? Or does it subtly reflect how there are so many gaps in communication and inclusivity that still need to be taken into account? Either way, the shift will only take place with kindness and empathy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Marathi actor dies by suicide
Jun 22, 2025 07:24 AM IST MUMBAI: Marathi actor Tushar Ghadigaonkar, 34, died by suicide in his home in Goregaon west on Friday. A popular actor, he featured in several Marathi serials and some Marathi films as well. Police said Tushar lived with his wife, who was at work when he died by suicide (Getty Images/iStockphoto) 'We rushed to the spot and took him to a trauma care hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival. We have registered a case of a suicide,' said the police officer. Police said Tushar lived with his wife, who was at work when he died by suicide. Originally hailing from Bhandup, he had been acting since he was in college, participating in drama competitions, before getting a break into the film and television industry.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Marathi actor Tushar Ghadigaonkar passes away at 34; Remembered for his work in TV, films and theatre
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Marathi actor Tushar Ghadigaonkar was found dead at his residence in Mumbai's Goregaon West on June 20. The 34-year-old artist's sudden demise has left the Marathi entertainment industry and his fans in shock. Found unresponsive at home As reported by ANI, according to the Mumbai Police, a distress message was received from the control room stating that an unconscious person was discovered in Room No. 102, R4 building on Ram Mandir Road. The police found Tushar lying unresponsive on the ground when they arrived at the scene. He was immediately taken to Trauma Care Hospital, where the medical officer declared him "brought dead". Police investigations revealed that Tushar had been struggling with alcohol addiction and had been under mental stress for the past year. Mann Kasturi Re | Song - Rang Lagla A statement from his family members confirmed that they harbored no suspicion or complaint regarding the circumstances of his death. The statement read, "A message was received from the main control room stating that an unconscious person was found in Room No. 102, R4, Ram Mandir Road, Mumbai's Goregaon West, and police assistance was required. Upon reaching the location, an unconscious individual was found lying on the ground. He was transported to Trauma Care Hospital, where the medical officer examined him and declared him brought dead." His impactful performances Tushar made a name for himself with performances in popular Marathi television shows. Some of his prominent works include Lavangi Mirchi, Man Kasturi Re, Sukhacha Sarinni He Man Baware, and Sakha Mazha Pandurang on Sun Marathi. His role in the Marathi series Tumchi Mulgi, directed by Bhimrao Mude, brought him considerable recognition. In Hindi cinema, he was seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's production Malaal, playing the friend of the main lead. Industry reacts with grief Actor Ankur Wadve, of Chala Hawa Yeu Dya fame, shared an emotional post on Instagram 'Tushar, Tujh Harvanam Mhanje Aapla Sanglayanch Harvanam Jhalaam,' he wrote. Tushar had married Siddhi in 2022, sharing joyful pictures of the event on social media with the caption, 'New season begins.'
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
34-year-old Marathi actor Tushar Ghadigaonkar found dead in Mumbai flat
Mumbai: Marathi film actor Tushar Ghadigaonkar, 34, died by suicide by hanging in his rental flat in Goregaon West on Friday. Goregaon police registered a case of accidental death. Preliminary investigations suggest he took this extreme step due to stress over not securing work. He was known for his roles in Marathi films, TV serials and theatre, and also dabbled in production. Ghadigaonkar was also part of the Marathi musical play 'Sangeet Bibat Akhyan' and dabbled in music video production under his own banner Ghanta Naad Production. A police officer stated that the main control room received a message reporting an unconscious person in a flat on Ram Mandir Road, Goregaon West. Officers arrived and found the individual unconscious on the ground. They transported him to Trauma Care Hospital, where the medical officer examined him and declared him dead upon arrival. The officer added that Ghadigaonkar was addicted to alcohol and had been under stress for the past year. He died by suicide by hanging when no one was at home. When the relatives' statements were recorded, they did not express suspicion or complaints against anyone, police said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Take this to lose weight! (Here's how) welladvice Learn More Undo Mumbai: Marathi film actor Tushar Ghadigaonkar, 34, died by suicide by hanging in his rental flat in Goregaon West on Friday. Goregaon police registered a case of accidental death. Preliminary investigations suggest he took this extreme step due to stress over not securing work. He was known for his roles in Marathi films, TV serials and theatre, and also dabbled in production. Ghadigaonkar was also part of the Marathi musical play 'Sangeet Bibat Akhyan' and dabbled in music video production under his own banner Ghanta Naad Production. A police officer stated that the main control room received a message reporting an unconscious person in a flat on Ram Mandir Road, Goregaon West. Officers arrived and found the individual unconscious on the ground. They transported him to Trauma Care Hospital, where the medical officer examined him and declared him dead upon arrival. The officer added that Ghadigaonkar was addicted to alcohol and had been under stress for the past year. He died by suicide by hanging when no one was at home. When the relatives' statements were recorded, they did not express suspicion or complaints against anyone, police said.
