The depiction of transgender characters in media has long been a topic of conversation, sparking debates. In a recent interview with BBC Urdu, actor Ali Rehman Khan delved into his experience portraying a transgender character in the TV serial Guru on Express Entertainment.
Ali Rehman Khan’s portrayal has drawn attention due to its departure from his usual roles of heroes and villains. In the interview, he addressed the challenges he faced, the significance of accurate representation, and his commitment to the role’s authenticity.
Stepping out of one’s comfort zone is always a daunting task, especially for actors accustomed to certain character types. For Khan, the shift from playing heroes and villains to a transgender character was a challenge he willingly embraced.
He added:
“Getting out of the comfort of playing the hero or villain is challenging. I knew when people will see me in this avatar, they will have so many questions. So, the challenge for me was to make sure I do this authentically and honestly.”
One aspect that Khan touched upon was the criticism that men and women are often chosen to portray transgender characters, which can lead to a loss of authenticity. Responding to this critique, he expressed a desire for more transgender individuals to explore acting roles, highlighting the current shortage of full-time transgender actors.
Khan shared that attempts were made to cast members of the transgender community for roles in Guru, but due to various reasons, they couldn’t find suitable candidates. He also acknowledged the pressure of a significant production and the need to consider the risks involved.
Khan’s aspiration goes beyond his own performance; he wants to see transgender individuals portraying themselves onscreen. He believes that their inclusion would contribute to a more genuine and accurate representation of transgender experiences.
Watch the interview below:
