Transgender Representation in Bollywood :A case study of Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui

The scope given to transgender issues in Indian movies, more specifically, in Bollywood, has always been abysmally poor, often resorting to stereotypes or reducing transgender persons to subtle comedic roles or to have a social stigma attached. However recent films such as Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui [2021] seem to challenge that trend. This paper examines the question regarding the representation of transgender people in Bollywood through the film Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, investigating the context, significance and intent of the film and whether it can be said that it represents a significant step forward in the depiction of transgender characters in Indian cinema.
Prof. Harsh Bala Sharma.

Harsh Bala Sharma is a professor at the Indraprastha College for Women in the University of Delhi.