Aashiesh Sharrma says he had to reinvent himself and unlearn a lot

The Story in Brief

Aashiesh Sharrma, known for performances in Siya Ke Ram, Chandragupta Maurya, Rangrasiya and Prithvi Vallabh, plays a transgender character in Khejdi, a film that has recently released in India after festival screenings since 2018. The role earned him the Best Actor award at the New York City South Asian Film Festival in 2019, among other honours. He said the part grew from a short story given to him by his father; he and his wife Archana Taide decided it should be their first feature. Preparation included a major physical change – he lost nearly 30 kg – and significant emotional work: he wrote the character himself, had no direct reference point, and described needing to unlearn and remould himself to find the character’s psychology. He credits earlier mythological and historical roles for his growth, recalls long stays in Hyderabad during Siya Ke Ram, and says he remains creatively energised with new productions and collaborations planned.

The Indian Opinion

The article focuses closely on the actor’s process, awards and personal motivations, presenting a largely celebratory account of his work on Khejdi. It reports his physical transformation and the fact that he wrote the character, but it does not include perspectives from transgender people, independent critics or audience reaction in India. That absence leaves questions about representation, casting choices and community response unanswered. Given the published facts, readers should note the story documents one individual’s effort and acclaim but does not establish how the film has been received by the communities it depicts or by a broader critical audience.

Original article: Aashiesh Sharrma: I had to break myself and unlearn a lot (www.newindianexpress.com)

This story was summarised and commented on by AI from the source linked above.