Sushmita Sen, who has suddenly changed into transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant for Taali, has received unending praise from her admirers. When the offer arrived, Sushmita was pleased, but she didn’t say yes right away. “I met the makers, there were a number of back and forth. It was after meeting Gauri that I knew a lot of people can do this role but I would do it with the most amount of love,” the actor told Indian Express.
She revealed that even though the appearance was preplanned, she collaborated with Atul Mongia to perfect the body language. Sushmita praised the stylist for her meticulous attention to detail. “She did unbelievable homework with not just Gauri but also Ganesh’s looks. Gauri wears the watch with the dial inside, or a black thread and rudraksh. Everything about her has been done just the same way,” she added.
The actor claimed that the company was quite clear that they did not want to copy or make the voice seem caricature-like. “The director was adamant we won’t use prosthetics for the looks and be honest to the part. Getting the look of Ganesh and Gauri had different problems and so decided to not focus on the voice then, and dub it entirely. I went closest to the mic and worked on the base multiple times before we got the note right. Imaandari se karna tha yeh (we had to do this with sincerity). And not just me, the other actors also worked really hard and if we did falter, we said no problem, because it needs to sound honest first.”
In conversation with Indian Express, the actor was asked that did the role leave an impact on her, she said, “Quite a few places.” She continued by describing how Gauri’s monologue in the programme discusses the community that upset her. “Gauri is known for her speeches and way with words. However, we don’t have too many of them as those are hers and already available. There is this one big monologue that we shot without a cut. What is being said there is a tribute to the community. I was so angry and crying and personally, so deeply invested in that scene. I honestly feel Sushmita and Gauri came together for that scene.”
While the actor has received positive reviews from the crowd, some people thought Shreegauri could have played the role herself. Many also emphasised how a transgender performer may have been given the opportunity to perform it.
Sushmita averred, “I think in a greater conversation they are not wrong. It is time all talented people are hired for the job irrespective of their gender or if the role demands it. But in this case, firstly Gauri chose me. I didn’t know about this show, had no idea. She made sure that the makers approached me with the offer. I will forever remain in her debt for it allowed me a bigger voice through her story. So that doesn’t trouble me because it just it’s not a general story but her story. She has every right to choose. As for me, as an actor and human being, every opportunity that I get to celebrate inclusiveness, I unapologetically embrace it with both hands. I won’t wait for gaali or taali because I believe this is the call I was born to do. I will use every platform to encourage inclusivity.”
The actress went on to say that initiatives like Taali are crucial because they represent a step towards recognising gender politics and accurately depicting them in films. Sushmita mentioned Ranveer Singh and Tota Roy Chowdhury’s “Dola Re” performance in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. “Every step that we are taking towards gender fluidity is important, including the song and dance of the two men in the film. Everything we are talking about as examples… why do we appreciate it? Because it’s a step forward toward the right direction. It may not be a gigantic step but it’s an initiative. As for Taali, it’s a leap of faith, a very big one. It has too many firsts but its also an important step in the right direction.”
