Filmmaker Onir isn’t happy with the casting and portrayal of the transgender community in projects like Taali and Haddi starring Sushmita Sen and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, respectively. 

“When I saw the trailers, at that moment, I decided I’m not going to be a part of something so problematic, even in terms of watching it,” rues Onir, adding, “This kind of representation of trans people is offensive and even their tone is problematic.”

Going on to emphasize why the members of the trans community should represent themselves in projects, the 54-year-old says, “There are enough trans actors to play trans characters, including actors Sushant Divgikr, Rudrani Chhetri, Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju. Why cast someone else? When a community isn’t authentically represented, (an archetypal image) is shown, it’s not okay. We need queer people represent themselves onscreen.”

Onir also feels that straight people should be more accepting of the LGBTQIA+ community. “The community, which is still learning how to accept us, should not make a film about us. First, they need to educate themselves,” he asserts.