Film Kuch Sapney Apne pushes the envelope for trans women and their families

Film Kuch Sapney Apne pushes the envelope for trans women and their families International Transgender Day of Visibility is celebrated on March 31st dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide, as well as a celebration of their contributions to society. Recently released Hindi feature film Kuch Sapney Apne is primarily about a gay couple and their relationship, but also about their family members and how relationships are challenging, whether queer or not. In a bold move, writer-director duo Sridhar Rangayan and Saagar Gupta explore the evolving relationship between a transwoman and her wife. The film follows Ramesh, the protagonist’s uncle, who decides to embrace her true identity as Rama, a transwoman. This revelation throws Rama's wife Lata and their two children into a quandary. While Rama’s elder brother, Damodar, a conservative patriarch, struggles to accept her transition, Damodar’s wife Vasudha and son Kartik show greater support. Sridhar Rangayan, the director said, “We wanted to highlight anguish of the generation of men from the 60s and 70s who were trapped into marriages against their choice, and were not able to lead their true authentic selves, due to familial and societal pressures. The character of Rama and family was inspired by a real life person who went through transformation many years after marriage and having a family. Their predicament and dilemmas were heart wrenching. We hope that future generations won't have to face the same challenges and can live happier lives, embracing the gender identity that feels true to them.” In a career defining role of Ramesh / Rama, actor Abhay Kulkarni who has acted in numerous feature films like Rustom, Kaminey, Sanju and Lajja; TV serials including Crime Patrol, Lakhon Mein Ek; and also web series like Scam 1992 and Murder in Mahim, feels that this role as compared to the role of Ramesh in the film’s prequel Evening Shadows is far more difficult and challenging. “We have seen many trans characters in films. There is a certain stereotypical way these characters have been portrayed till now, with exaggerated mannerisms, extra effort to portray femininity. But when I read the script, and started working in it I could see the depth in it. It’s not a usual trans character.”