Shakti, a drama serial on air from June, in a big twist, revealed that the lead character in the show is a transgender, a recognition to the third gender's fight for liberty. By Jigyasu Joshi
Until recently, we the people of India rarely spoke about the third gender. It took a long time to break the taboo. And now in the long history of daily soaps on Indian television, a show is poised for a big change in its storyline.
Shakti, a television drama that is on air from June, discloses the big secret; that Saumya, the main character in the show is a transgender, something unexpected from a mainstream show. The highlight is that, unlike in the past when such roles were portrayed as comedians only, Shakti broke the barriers by presenting the lead role as a transgender.
Rubina Dilaik, who dons the role of Saumya, says, "I was overwhelmed when I was offered the role. We have to appreciate the fight by the transgender to break the barriers. I took the challenge of playing this character thinking that it would help me to evolve and grow as an actor". "The way Saumya deals with the fact forms the rest of the story", she adds.
On asking about how she prepared for this character, Rubina says that "she has put her heart and soul into it. Since there was no model to look upon a transgender, I had to do a lot of study. Also, I tried to understand how the creators have conceived the character so that I can perform it in a best way possible".
"The subject of transgender is still considered sensitive in our society and this show has taken a step towards talking about it openly. Reaction of the audience is very uncertain as this topic is still a taboo for many. However, I'm prepared to face any reaction and criticism will be welcomed warmly", says the actor.