Actor Vaani Kapoor is presently busy basking in the success of her latest film Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, which has emerged as a conversation starter as it aims to present an authentic on-screen representation of trans people in mainstream Bollywood cinema.
Directed by well-known filmmaker Abhishek Kapoor, Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui places the struggles and dilemma of a trans woman, played by Vaani Kapoor, without looking at the community through the lens of victimhood, she said.
The actor, whose turn as Maanvi in the film, has brought her career-best reviews, believes the film has served its purpose of igniting a conversation around trans people and their rights.
"We just wanted to normalise this and break stereotypes. There exists this perception, built over all these years when we were growing up. The reference points we witnessed in films and shows, I think we don't need to live by it today. That is a wrongful representation. A man dressed in a woman's saree is not the correct representation of a trans girl. They are as stunning, beautiful and 'normal' as any other cis girl," Vaani told PTI.
The romantic drama flips the boy-meet-girl trope, when Maanvi's lover, played by actor Ayushmann Khurrana, comes to the realisation that she is a trans woman. The journey, from shock, disgust to embracing and educating, is what Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui captures.
While the film, which opened in cinema halls last week, received positive response, there was a section that felt a trans character, ideally, should have been played by a trans person. Vaani said the film should be viewed as an earnest attempt in starting an important conversation, hoping that someday actors from the community are able to play all kinds of characters and not just the ones limited to their identities.
"We only have a visual reference of a man dressing up to look like a trans girl. So, for a cis girl to play the role would make the majority of the audience think that this is the depiction of a trans girl like, that it is not a man in a saree. At least it is a conversation starter. I hope tomorrow they are welcomed by the audience, there are more stories with different narratives on trans people. I hope we reach a stage tomorrow where a trans girl can play a cis girl's part and blur the lines of identities... and aren't only restricted to playing trans in a film."
Vaani said the movie's biggest strength is its crowd-pleasing appeal, delivering a message without being "preachy". "Maanvi is not cliched. Abhishek never tried to victimise her or made the narrative too dramatic. He created the right balance, which was hard to crack. It is not preachy and caters to all kinds of the audience -- both the progressive and the regressive."
Initially, the 33-year-old actor felt the pressure of playing a trans woman right. Her prep involved speaking to trans girls, understanding their life, their transition, watching documentaries, and talking points from interviews with trans people.
"I just had to be responsible in getting it right. We have ensured that she is viewed in a different way than what we are generally used to seeing in the community that one is trying to speak to or represent. She is not the butt of the joke. You are not trying to invalidate their identity. There are so many beautiful, stunning trans girls. They are well-rounded people. I tried to inculcate all that in this character," she added.
The actor, who previously featured in films like Shuddh Desi Romance (2013), Befikre (2016), and the blockbuster War (2019), said she feels fortunate that her performance has reached out to people, including those from the film industry.
"I feel grateful that people within the industry and outside are liking my performance. They are really giving me the respect of an actor, which feels good. There are few women-driven, fleshed-out parts for women. It is hard to get those. So, when you get them, you want to make the most of it. Mine was an earnest attempt to play the part with utmost honesty. I gave my heart and soul to it," she concluded.
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Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.