At the India International Center on Lodhi Road, Engendered, an international arts and human rights organisation, screened the Delhi premiere of Academy Award-nominated Deepa Mehta’s documentary film. I am SiratCo-directed by its titular trans star, Seerat Taneja.

The evening, which gradually turned into a lively gossip among Delhi’s quirky circles, film buffs and media lovers, was supported by the Dutch and Belgian embassies.

I am Sirat See what it means to be trans in India through Seerat Taneja’s journey. The film weaves its way through Seerat’s life as a trans woman in Delhi, unfolding her dual existence as Aman at home and Seerat in the wider world. The film has already premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), followed by screenings in London, Chandigarh and Dharamshala, with Delhi-born Seerat finally finding her way home.

At TIFF, Seerat was positively touched by the support the film received, she was at a loss for words as the collective emotion reassured her, “You are not alone, we are right here with you.” But it was the screening in his beloved Delhi that really touched his heart, his hometown where he has his family and roots. At its core, the film was Seerat’s quest for acceptance among her nearest and dearest.

Delhi screening of ‘I am Sirat’ at India International Center

Famous for the notoriously divisive ‘Elements’ trilogy, the film marked Mehta’s return to the documentary genre after nearly 20 years. talking to hindu, the filmmaker recalled his initial conversations with Seerat, who sought to share his story authentically. “The film has always been a collaborative effort,” stresses Mehta, recalling his desire to hear the story of Seerat, who had been a friend for four years.

Initially hesitant, Mehta recognized the importance of Seerat’s vision and the need for a collaborative approach rather than assuming complete creative control. Mehta admitted, “I rejected the idea of ​​the film at first, until Seerat herself agreed to do it.” This realization led to the decision to adopt an unscripted documentary style, allowing Seerat’s voice to organically shape the narrative. The result is a unique visual narrative shot entirely on smartphone, that vertically blends Seerat’s personal perspective with Mehta’s sweeping landscape shots for context.

Filming felt like second nature to Seerat, who, thanks to her natural knack for Instagram Reels, had a camera glued to her hand practically the entire time. “From morning till evening, the camera was my constant companion. Except when I showered,” she quipped in the conversation. Hindu.

According to Sirat, the film deliberately omits moments where she finds herself occasionally slipping on English words, which she attests has never been her strongest suit.

Despite her own story shaping the narrative, Seerat advocates a new non-trans perspective on trans stories, believing in the power of outsiders’ curiosity to give rise to essential questions. Still, she stands firm in her belief that trans roles in cinema should be owned by trans actors, flags the concentration of talent within her community and advocates for equal opportunities. “The trans community is brimming with talent – ​​we have actors, chefs, lawyers, doctors, models and more – and we should all have equal opportunities to move forward,” she said.

Seerat Taneja in a scene from ‘I Am Seerat’

When discussing the challenges faced by Indian filmmakers tackling sensitive subjects within their culture through Western productions, Mehta rejected any notion of an easy path. “It’s definitely not,” he insisted, pointing to past controversies involving his films as evidence. “The effigies burned in protest against my previous films are proof of that,” he said, recalling the furious reception of his work, when protesters burned down the cinema where his 1996 film was first shown. Went. Fire,

Despite these challenges, Mehta praised the adventure story emerging from mainstream Indian cinema, highlighting the contribution of Vidhu Vinod Chopra. 12 fail And Kiran Rao’smissing ladies As recent examples that caught his attention. She also seemed curious to know about the ban in India monkey man And shared his appreciation for Dev Patel’s work.

From obtaining a TG certificate to finding employment, Seerat’s journey of self-realization is empowering as well as full of emotions. However it seems the matter has stopped where it mattered most to Sirat – at her mother.

Sirat’s journey towards acceptance is inextricably linked to her relationship with her conservative mother, who refuses to see her for who she is. On that note, Mehta highlights the centrality of a woman’s right to self-determination in the film, and notes society’s tendency to label such acts as selfish, only when it concerns women.

Claiming his charming leadership, I am Sirat Still struggling with its pace, much is left between mother and daughter. Although she still struggles for acceptance at home, Sirat’s unwavering optimism (and wicked sense of humor) is what keeps her story going.

Amidst the thunderous applause of the crowd, Seerat is confidently excited about the adventures ahead. Her journey takes her to the Kashish Pride Film Festival in Mumbai, where a promising new project is shining on the horizon. When Seerat was asked about her feelings after so bravely baring her soul in front of her family, Seerat’s response was as edgy as it was camp: “Hot, sexy and beautiful.”