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From Akshay Kumar to Sushmita Sen: 5 Bollywood actors who nailed transgender role on-screen with grace

From powerful biopics to commercial cinema, these five performances showcase Bollywood actors who transcended stereotypes to deliver sensitive and impactful portrayals of transgender characters.

Rishika Baranwal | Jul 17, 2025, 02:26 PM IST

1.Sushmita Sen in Taali

Sushmita Sen in Taali
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Sushmita Sen transforms into transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant in Taali, a biographical drama streaming on JioCinema. Critics praised her nuanced body language, voice modulation, and emotional depth as she tackles themes of identity, struggle, and dignity.

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2.Akshay Kumar in Laxmii

Akshay Kumar in Laxmii
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In the horror-comedy Laxmii, Akshay Kumar portrays a man possessed by the spirit of a transgender individual. The portrayal was controversial, drawing criticism for perpetuating stereotypes rather than offering authentic representation.

3.Vijay Raaz in Gangubai Kathiawadi

Vijay Raaz in Gangubai Kathiawadi
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Vijay Raaz plays Razia Bai, a trans woman and rival, in Gangubai Kathiawadi. Despite debate over casting a cisgender actor in the role, his performance was widely appreciated for its subtlety and screen presence opposite Alia Bhatt.

4.Ashutosh Rana in Sangharsh

Ashutosh Rana in Sangharsh
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Ashutosh Rana's portrayal of a disturbed and religiously fanatic transgender character in Sangharsh remains chilling and memorable. Though controversial, his fearless performance continues to be discussed in the context of representation and villainy.

5.Sadashiv Amrapurkar in Sadak

Sadashiv Amrapurkar in Sadak
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Sadashiv Amrapurkar’s portrayal of Maharani, a transgender sex worker, in Sadak (1991) is etched into Bollywood history. His performance both shocked audiences and earned acclaim, although it also fueled complex conversations about depiction and typecasting.

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