Ghoomer actor Ivanka Das recalls 'very bad experience' with transgender actors on Haddi set

Ivanka Das, who recently appeared in Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher starrer Ghoomer, will next be seen in Haddi headlined by Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The transsexual actor is in awe of Nawaz as a co-star but a 'very bad experience' with transgender actors left a bitter taste in her mouth.

Hyderabad: Ivanka Das, who appeared in projects like Maja Ma, Sunflower, and now Ghoomer, is shedding light on the challenges she faces as a transsexual actor. The actor will also be seen in the upcoming film Haddi alongside Nawazuddin Siddiqui. While she heaped praise on Nawaz for being a supportive co-star, the actor narrated a 'very bad experience' on the Haddi set.

In a candid conversation with a webloid, Ivanka delved into her journey as a transsexual actor, reflecting on her experiences during the filming of Ghoomer and the challenges she confronted while working with fellow transgender individuals on the set of Haddi. She also shared insights into her unexpected departure from Taali starring Sushmita Sen, asserting that her exit was due to politics that unfolded within the production, abruptly ending her involvement after three days of shooting.

Talking about her experience on sets of Haddi, where she appears alongside Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Ivanka clarified that she was the sole transsexual actor amidst a group of real-life transgenders in the cast. In her portrayal, she plays Siddiqui's friend and commends the actor's collaborative and supportive nature. However, she disclosed a challenging encounter with the transgenders on set, highlighting their misconceptions about preferential treatment, a misunderstanding that led to friction and an unpleasant experience.

While she has been part of several OTT endeavors and even graced the cover of a prominent magazine, Ivanka is perplexed as to why she is predominantly offered roles specifically tailored for transgender or transsexual characters. Despite her accomplishments, she remains puzzled by the scarcity of roles that portray her as a woman.

Marking her debut in mainstream cinema with Ghoomer, Ivanka portrays a vulnerable woman nurtured by Abhishek Bachchan's character as a sister. However, she's vocally firm about her refusal to accept roles that pigeonhole her as a devoted wife or sister-in-law on screen, emphasizing her aspiration to play varied characters.

READ |Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Haddi stars 300 real transgenders