Anjali Ameer made history this year as the first transsexual person to play a lead role in a regional film. But she always was a star.
You don’t have to chat with Anjali Ameer for very long before the fact impresses itself on you that this young actor is here for the long haul. Long after the curiosity about her gender and identity fades away, you know she’ll still be invested in the craft. It’s this die hard spirit that won her the lead role in the bilingual (Tamil and Malayalam) film, Peranbu, starring the legendary Mammootty. A sensitive, friendly 22-year-old, Ameer was born a boy but identified as transsexual as a teenager. The sex reassignment surgery would come later, but early on, she learned how to arm herself with the positivity and energy it takes to fight prejudice every step of the way. And now that she’s here, nothing’s going to break her stride.
How excited are you to be a part of the film industry?
I’m very excited! This has been my wish, my dream and my only career goal. I worked really hard to get here and grabbed every opportunity that came my way.
What was your first day on the set of Peranbu like?
This story is from the August 3 2017 edition of Femina.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 3 2017 edition of Femina.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
AGAINST ALL ODDS
SAIKA ISHAQUE's cricketing journey is a remarkable story of resilience, determination, and triumph against adversity, writes Kayal Arivalan
MASTERING THE ART OF TEACHING
DR SANGHAMITRA BUDDHAPRIYA talks to Ravina M Sachdev about her many accomplishments and her inspiration to become a professor
ART ATTACK
KANIKA RANKA ADANI, founder of The Studio Project, talks to Ravina M Sachdev about turning her passion into her profession
GLOBAL CRAVINGS
PLAKA in Bengaluru promises an exceptional dining experience for casual dining enthusiasts eager to explore international cuisines
TAKE A BREAK IN GANGTOK
Nestled amid the breathtaking landscapes of the Eastern Himalayas, Gangtok is a serene choice for your summer vacation
NOURISHING THE NEW MOTHER
The right nutrition can help new mothers recover and feel stronger.
HOW'S YOUR AURA DOING TODAY?
Do you have a positively-charged aura? Prachi Rijhwani helps you find out
QUIT RIGHT
Pratyasha Sarkar shares ways to quit your job without burning your bridges
WRITE YOURSELF SUCCESSFUL!
Riddhima Shishupal shares ways by which you can ace professional communication
BEAT THE BURNOUT
Here are expert-backed tips to prevent burnout at work