Indian cinema, popularly known as Bollywood, has undergone significant changes over the decades, especially in its portrayal of women and marginalized communities. One area that has seen gradual yet impactful representation is the depiction of transgender individuals, often referred to as "she-males" or "hijras" in Indian context.
Directed by Kaushik Ganguly, this film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. It stars Riddhi Sen (cis male) as Puti, a transgender woman who falls in love with a flautist. The film explores body dysphoria, family rejection, and sex work — but also joy, romance, and community. It was a critical smash and was India’s official entry for the Oscars' Best Foreign Language Film category. Indian Shemailes Movies