Top 10 Bollywood Actors Who Played Transgender Roles

1. Akshay Kumar

What to say about him is that every role he does is exceptional. Not just parts but even his daily routine is so inspiring. This man is one of the fittest actors in the Indian film industry. He also played the role of a transgender person named Laxmii Bomb in the movie Laxmii. The movie teaches how to show love towards transgender people as they are also humans. Akshay Kumar’s performance was so convincing and powerful. If you have not watched him in this character yet, you should try to see the Laxmii film, as Akshay Kumar’s body language and expressions take this film to immense heights.

2. Vijay Raaz

Vijay Raaz is a well-known actor who is recognized for his outstanding performances in comedic roles and as a supporting actor. Although he has played a variety of roles as both a villain and comedian, his portrayal of a transgender individual in the movie Gangubai Kathiyawadi was particularly noteworthy and even earned him an award for his fantastic performance. His character in the film is Raziabai, who is a transgender person and performs the powerful, negative character who wants to win against her rival Gangubai. He is the finest actor in the Indian film industry, and his enactment as a transgender person in the film gives goosebumps to the audience.

3. Ashutosh Rana

Although Ashutosh Rana is well-known for his villainous roles in films, many are unaware that he also portrayed a transgender character in Shabnam Mausi. Isn’t it mind-blowing? Shabnam Mausi is the first transgender woman to be elected as MLA, and the film is also based on her journey. In the movie, Sangharsh also played the role of a transgender person, where he kidnapped children and sacrificed them to become immortal. Dual times, he just nailed and gave an excellent performance.

4. Paresh Rawal

Who is not a fan of Paresh Rawal? His performance as Babu Rao in the film Hera Pheri just burst the audience into laughter, and his dialogue ‘Yeh Babu Rao ka style hai’ is very famous amongst the audience. You will not believe that this fantastic comic actor has also played the role of a transgender person in the film Tamanna. Paresh Rawal plays the role of Tikku, a transgender person whose mother dies, and after his mother dies, he sees someone throwing a girl child into a garbage bin. In the desire for human company, he took that girl child with him, raised her, and arranged money for her education. The whole film is entirely emotional and inspiring. Till today, he gets praise for his role in the film Tamanna.

5. Sushmita Sen

Sushmita Sen is the first Indian to win the title of Miss Universe and what to say about her acting. Her heart-winning performances in the films, melodious voice, and bold and confident character make everyone a fan of her. Her new series is also coming to Jio cinema on 15th August 2023, in which she is playing a character as Shreegauri Sawant, a transgender activist in the film Taali. The film’s teaser has been released, and fans are showing love for her nature.

6. Mahesh Manjrekar

Mahesh Manjrekar is known for his villain characters, negative roles, and superb direction. He played the role of Begum in the film Rajjo. Begum is a eunuch who runs the kottha. It was a challenge for him to play this role, but he did it with the utmost originality and dignity. He did not act in this role with keeping stereotypes in mind, as he says eunuchs are also human beings. If you have not seen him in this role yet, you must watch it.

7. Nirmal Pandey

Although he is a male, he won the Best Actress award for his role as the transvestite in the film Daayraa. Daayraa is a film that shows how much humiliation is faced by transgender people in Indian society. Nirmal Pandey’s acting is genuinely heart-winning. He performed very well with dedication and tried to make people think to treat humans as humans, not based on their gender. He is no longer with us, but he will be remembered for his role in the film Daayraa forever.

8. Arif Zakaria

Arif Zakaria is famous for his work in films like Raazi, My Name is Khan, and War. He is well known for his opposing and villainous roles. Arif Zakaria played the role of a eunuch in the film Darmiyaan. Darmiyaan is a film based on the story of a Bollywood actress who discovers that her son is a eunuch. Zakaria’s character is a little sensitive and shows how he accepts the truth in the films and faces the situation. It is impressive to watch how Zakaria, playing the role of Immi in the movie, helps his mother (who denies her being her mother) from self-destruction.

9. Johnny lever

Johnny Lever is that character in the films which gives life to the movie. His exceptional comedy skills can make everyone laugh. He is the only actor who played transgender roles several times without hurting the community’s sentiments. We saw him as Giggly in Housefull 4, Piajee in Jeet, and the list continues. He is the only actor in the Indian film industry who makes everyone laugh without hurting anyone.

10. Sadashiv Amrapurkar

He gained popularity for his role in the film Sadak. His character is an evil transgender madam named Maharani who runs a brothel. He also got awarded for his role as the best villain. He shocked the audience and gave a new definition to this character. He thoroughly researched his character and fully immersed herself in the role. His performance as Maharani is brilliant.