The portrayal of transgender individuals in Indian cinema has shifted from comic relief to nuanced, lead roles that explore struggle, identity, and triumph. Haddi (2023)
Before we dive in, it's helpful to clarify some terms. While "ladyboy" is sometimes used as a search term, it's a colloquialism that originated in Thailand and is not used respectfully in the Indian context. The more accurate and respectful terms are Hijra , a traditional term for India's third gender community, and the umbrella term transgender . This article uses those terms, reflecting their usage in contemporary Indian media and activism.
Historically, Indian cinema has portrayed transgender characters in various ways, from the sympathetic to the stereotypical. One of the earliest examples is the 1981 film "Sadgati" directed by Govind Nihalani, which features a transgender character. However, such portrayals were rare and often fell into stereotypes.
: An indie documentary that captures the unique life of a transgender forest guard in Uttarakhand.
This Tamil-language masterpiece features a career-defining performance by Vijay Sethupathi as Shilpa, a transgender woman returning to her estranged wife and young son. The film explores her fight for dignity against a corrupt system with dark humor and deep empathy.
Streaming platforms have become the primary outlet for progressive Indian cinema.
Star actor Vijay Sethupathi plays Shilpa with immense dignity. The film beautifully explores the innocence of a child accepting their parent, contrasting sharply with society's harsh prejudices. 2. Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui (Hindi, 2021)
While the term "ladyboy" is more commonly associated with Southeast Asian culture, it is sometimes used in international contexts to describe trans women in Asia. However, in India, the terminology is heavily nuanced: The traditional third-gender community.
That said, if you're interested in Indian cinema that features transgender or hijra characters and narratives, here are some notable films:
While specific "ladyboy" narratives are still developing, these recent projects are key examples of evolving queer storytelling in India:
Indian cinema is currently experiencing a profound, long-overdue evolution in how it represents transgender, non-binary, and hijra communities. While historical portrayals often leaned heavily on caricatures or tragic narratives, the —as of 2026—is defined by authentic casting, intersectional storylines, and a shift toward narratives of empowerment, love, and professional success.
Early portrayals were often one-dimensional, using Hijra characters as either comic figures (the "aunty" who dances at weddings) or as menacing pimps and criminals, as seen in films like Sadak (1991). While some films like Tamanna (1997) attempted a more sensitive approach, such efforts were rare.
A horror-comedy where a man is possessed by the vengeful ghost of a transgender woman who was murdered over a land dispute.
The definitive home for Super Deluxe , Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui , and various modern anthology series celebrating LGBTQ+ themes.
Avoid using these search terms as they are considered highly offensive slurs in both Western and Indian contexts. Trans Woman / Third Gender
Kaadhal Enbadhu Podhuudamai (2025) – The emotional journey of a mother and her trans daughter.