Sushmita Sen On Why Trans Actor Wasn't Cast In Taali: "Gauri Chose Me"

"I will use every platform to encourage inclusivity," said Sushmita Sen

Ahead of the release of her much-anticipated show Taali, Sushmita Sen has been sharing inside stories about her journey, transformation for the role as well as her ideas about gender inclusivity. In Taali, Sushmita Sen plays the character of a transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant. A section of the audience felt that a transgender could have played the role of Shreegauri. When asked about it, Sushmita didn't disagree. However, Sushmita Sen shared that Shreegauri herself chose her for this role.

Sushmita said to The Indian Express, "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."

Sushmita Sen continued, "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."