01 August,2023 04:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, Pics/Instagram
Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, 26-year-old trans woman doctor turned actress, is poised to make her acting debut in 'Made In Heaven Season 2' on Amazon Prime Video India. The first season of this highly praised series, brought to life by directors Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, released in 2019 and garnered popularity as well as critical acclaim.
In an interview with Outlook India, Trinetra shared more on landing the role and getting her big break. She said that she had auditioned for 'Made In Heaven 2' at the onset of her hospital internship. Taking the risk due to having nothing to lose and no industry connections, she expressed her disbelief and pride when it paid off.
"I auditioned for âMade In Heaven 2' at the start of my internship in the hospital. I gave it a shot because I had nothing to lose. I had no contacts in the industry. When it worked out, I couldn't believe it, and I still don't think I can."
With acting, her main focus remains in crafting authentic stories and lived experiences, even while recognizing her journey in the field has just begun.
"I have a long way to go with acting, and I'd like to focus on telling stories and making them authentic to lived experience. I don't know how my performance will be received, but what I take a lot of pride in, is that I auditioned for this, it wasn't given to me," she shared.
Her forthcoming role in the series marks a milestone for the Indian trans community as Gummaraju will be the first trans artist to have a recurring role in a mainstream OTT platform.
In further discussing her character, Trinetra revealed that she will portray a proficient wedding planner at 'Made In Heaven' overseeing grand-scale, elite weddings in Delhi. Despite her professional success, her character grapples with acceptance as a trans woman in her personal life, especially when it comes to finding love.
"Through this character, I want people to see that trans women are women and deserve every right to be treated as such. Trans people in general are human beings, and we deserve opportunity, love, respect, success. In a country where 99% of us are discarded by our biological families, I want society to see that a little acceptance goes a long way."
Recalling her childhood fascination with cinema, Trinetra acknowledged that the thought of becoming Karnataka's first trans doctor and collaborating with top Indian creatives and filmmakers was something she never believed possible.
"As a young trans child, even the idea of becoming Karnataka's first trans doctor, and then working with some of the biggest filmmakers in the country might have been entirely unimaginable. Working with Zoya Akhtar, Neeraj Ghaywan, Alankrita Shrivastav, Reema Kagti and Nitya Mehra - and all at once - is an actor's absolute dream, and the good fortune of it all is not lost on me."
Post undergoing gender affirming surgery at the age of 21, Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju has emerged as a strong voice for the trans community in India. She is active on social media including Instagram and her posts celebrate queer and trans joy as well as body acceptance and positivity for the Indian queer community.
'Made in Heaven' revolves around the lives of Tara and Karan, played by Sobhita Dhulipala and Arjun Mathur respectively, who run a wedding-planning agency for the uber-rich of Delhi. The show delves into societal issues such as infidelity, forced marriages, politics, casteism, and elitism that are rife in these celebrations, providing commentary on how characters navigate these circumstances.
The show has also championed LGBTQIA+ rights in its first season as well, where Karan's experience as a gay man in India were authentically and tenderly portrayed. With Trinetra coming on board for a major OTT release, we hope to see the gamut of queer lived experiences being increasingly represented in mainstream Indian entertainment.
Made in Heaven season 2 will stream on Amazon Prime Video on August 10.
.
