Taali: a biographical series on ShreeGauri Sawant

Taali series, 6 episode biopic on Jio Cinema is bound to invoke so many emotions and make us contemplate on so many things. I have been following Shree Gauri Sawantji on Social Media since a long time now, but little did I know about her struggles in the past and her huge contribution to the transgender community and humanity as a whole.

This series is truly inspiring and thought provoking. When i first came to know about the series, eventhough I love and admire Sushmita for innumerable reasons, I wasn't very happy about the casting. I did feel, why not cast Gauriji herself or someone from the trans community for the lead role, why do we need a cisgender person to play it??
Now on watching the series, I understood why...

Sushmita Sen is so brilliant and has delivered such an impactful performance that it is very obvious how much this cause really means to her. We can feel her (Gauriji's) emotions n turmoils, every time she appears on the screen. The scene just after the death of her dear friend Nargis, when she is seen fighting for the most basic right of at least getting a respectable death (if not, a respectable life) is bound to shake us from the core. Similarly, the interview scene where Sushmita speaks about what's scary and delves deep into everyday struggles in the life of a transgender person, renders everyone silent and ashamed. The audience both on and off screen is bound to get soaked in guilt for the pathetic mindsets many of us have carried for time immemorial

Krutika Deo who plays the role of young Gauri Sawant has also done justice to her character. Her equations with her mom, dad and sis while growing up, her internal dilemma and her strong urge to be a mother has all been depicted very well. It's interesting how her family members too grow at their own pace and come to terms with the reality at different points in her journey. Special mention for the supporting cast:  Ankur Bhatia as Naveen -A gay friend and activist who has always been a great support to Gauriji, Sheetal Kale as Nargis -Gauriji's friend and true well-wisher and Suvrat Joshi as Munna and Hemangi Kavi as her sister.. they all played their part really well.

I think its a must watch series for all. It's high time, members of LGBTQIA+ community receive respect, a welcoming environment and equal opportunities on every front. Let us not think that the society is doing some favour to them... they simply deserve to be given what is rightfully theirs.