The trailer of Gangubai Kathiawadi sparked off a debate on social media. Many seemed displeased with Vijay Raaz being cast as a trans woman in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film led by Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview with an international publication, Alia reacted to the criticism over Vijay's character.
"I have heard this conversation various times for different films. While I do understand where they’re coming from, I feel like it’s up to the director and their vision. It’s not there to offend anyone, maybe the director found it interesting to have an actor like Vijay Raaz, who identifies as male, play a trans character. The audience has never seen him that way, you see the actor and the ability to transform within that person. I think that’s a better perspective, but I do understand where people are coming from," Alia told.
After watching the trailer of Gangubai Kathiawadi, many people felt that a trans person should have been roped in for the character of Raziabai instead of Vijay, a cisgender. They said trans people don't get enough opportunities in films. Vijay is yet to react to the debate.
Gangubai Kathiawadi is produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Dr Jayantilal Gada (Pen Studios). The film also stars Ajay Devgn, Seema Pahwa and Shantanu Maheshwari. It will release in theatres on February 25.
(Source: Deadline)
