Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui: Vaani Kapoor Wanted To "Break Stereotypes" Of Trans Woman As Man Dressed In Saree
Dec 19,2021
Actor Vaani Kapoor says her movie Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui is a conversation starter as it aims to present an authentic on screen representation of trans people in mainstream Bollywood cinema. The Abhishek Kapoor directorial places the struggles and dilemma of a trans woman, played by Vaani, 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, was met with a 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 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 taking 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, Befikre and the blockbuster War, 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 added.
Top Stories
Anupam Kher Scolds David Dhawan Over Retirement Rumors: "Who Are You to Decide..."
Jun 04,2026
Veteran Bollywood filmmaker David Dhawan has returned to the director’s chair after a gap of six years. However, what has surprised fans even more is his announcement that his upcoming film Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani will reportedly be his final directorial venture before retirement.But
'Bad breath from her mouth...' When Bobby Deol refused to film an intimate scene with Manisha Koirala, the reason will leave you stunned.
Jun 03,2026
Bollywood actor Bobby Deol recently opened up about several funny behind-the-scenes moments from the early phase of his film career, including playful pranks on co-stars Twinkle Khanna, Rani Mukerji, and Manisha Koirala.The actor made these revelations during his appearance on the popular
Kangana Ranaut Recalls 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack Night: ‘We Were Dancing and Suddenly…’
Jun 03,2026
Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut recently opened up about her personal memories from the night of the devastating 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks while promoting her upcoming film Bharat Bhagya Vidhata.During the trailer launch event of the film, Kangana revealed that she was attending a party
‘She Was Faking It’: Madhuri Dixit Makes Shocking Revelation About Karisma Kapoor’s Dance Performance
Jun 02,2026
Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor remain one of Bollywood’s most iconic on-screen duos, especially for their unforgettable performances in the cult classic Dil To Pagal Hai.The film, which also starred Shah Rukh Khan, is still celebrated for its music, romance, and legendary d
Bobby Deol Reveals Who Can Play Dharmendra in His Biopic, Says ‘No One Can Replace Him’
Jun 02,2026
Bobby Deol is currently in the spotlight for his upcoming film Bandar, but the actor recently grabbed headlines for his emotional remarks about his late father and Bollywood legend Dharmendra. During his appearance on Aap Ki Adalat on India TV, Bobby Deol spoke candidly about Dhar
Cocktail 2 Trailer Out: Shahid Kapoor Gets Trapped Between Friendship, Love and Marriage Chaos
Jun 02,2026
After months of anticipation, the makers of Cocktail 2 have finally released the official trailer of the much-awaited romantic drama, and it is already generating massive buzz on social media.Featuring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna in lead roles, the sequel appears to c
Taapsee Pannu Reveals Extreme Workout Struggles for Perfect Figure, Urges Young Women Not to Follow Unhealthy Fitness Trends
Jun 01,2026
Bollywood actress Taapsee Pannu is once again making headlines—this time for her honest and heartfelt comments about body image struggles and unrealistic beauty standards. Known for speaking candidly on social issues, the actress recently revealed how she pushed herself to physical e
Trophy in Hand, Love in the Air! Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma Share Emotional Moment After RCB Win
Jun 01,2026
The final of the Indian Premier League 2026 turned into a historic night for Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the franchise clinched its second consecutive IPL title with a dominant victory over the Gujarat Titans. Led by a sensational innings from Virat Kohli, RCB once again lifted the cove
Entertainment News
Taapsee Pannu Reveals Extreme
Jun 01,2026
Trophy in Hand, Love in the Ai
Jun 01,2026
Ajith Kumar’s Mother Funeral
May 30,2026
Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt’
May 30,2026
“What If He Gets Angry?”:
May 30,2026