6th August 2023, Mumbai: Sushmita Sen, the renowned actress, is all set to take on a powerful and challenging role in the upcoming web series, Taali. In this highly anticipated series, she portrays the inspiring life of transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant. However, before the series even hit the screens, it encountered a storm of backlash from the virtual realm.
Sushmita faces Harsh Online Hate
Sushmita Sen revealed how she personally faced the brunt of online trolls when she released the first look poster of Taali on her Instagram last year. The poster featured half of her face and a clap, but unfortunately, the comment section was inundated with an array of derogatory remarks from nameless individuals dwelling in the depths of social media.
Trolls spam ‘Chakka’ in somment sections
In an outpouring of hurt and frustration, Sushmita expressed how deeply she took these taunts to heart. The relentless repetition of the term “chhakka” cut deep into her emotions, as she wondered how people could be so insensitive. Swiftly, she decided to take matters into her own hands, blocking every single one of those offenders. But in that moment of pain and introspection, she realized the significance of her portrayal of Gauri Sawant’s life. While she could escape the vitriol with a simple click, transgender individuals face such discrimination and prejudice relentlessly, every single day.
Sushmita came in front to empathize with Transgenders
With a profound sense of gratitude for the love and adoration she has received from her fans throughout her illustrious career, Sushmita realized that this platform bestowed upon her the power to effect change. She saw an opportunity to be the catalyst that would bridge the gap between the love she receives and the love that the transgender community has been yearning for. And she was determined to seize that opportunity with both hands.
Taali Poster Reveal
The first look poster, captioned “Taali – Bajaungi nahi, bajwaungi (won’t clap, will make others clap),” was her way of making a profound statement. In those few words, she encapsulated the essence of the series – a story of unwavering resilience and the pursuit of recognition for the third gender in India. Taali, set to grace JioCinema’s streaming platform on August 15, promises to shed much-needed light on the extraordinary journey of Shreegauri Sawant, guided by the visionary direction of National Film Awards-winning director Ravi Jadhav. For Sushmita Sen, this is not just another role; it’s an opportunity to give a voice to the voiceless, to echo the struggles of an entire community, and to pave the way for a more inclusive and empathetic society.
As we eagerly anticipate the release of Taali, let us not forget the significance of this series and the impact it could have on shaping hearts and minds. Sushmita Sen’s dedication to her craft and her commitment to representing the life of Shreegauri Sawant with authenticity and empathy is a testament to the power of storytelling to transcend boundaries and bring about positive change. Let us embrace this burst of creativity as we eagerly await Taali’s arrival, hoping it will be a step towards a more compassionate world.
-By Yashika Desai