Abhishek Kapoor’s recently-released film Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, features the film’s lead actress Vaani Kapoor as a transgender character and Ayushmann Khurrana stars as a gym trainer, who falls for Vaani. Abhishek Kapoor, in a recent interview with The Indian Express was asked if he ever thought of casting a trans person for the role that Vaani played in the film. Responding to which, Abhishek Kapoor said, “We went through many avenues and there was a thought about casting a trans person but you know I find everyone is so fascinated just by actors.”
Speaking of representation, Abhishek Kapoor added, “Why is it that everything is legitimised by an actor? Why can’t a trans person write the film? Why can’t a trans person direct the film? First of all, this fascination is incorrect. Films are not made by actors, they are made by filmmakers and writers. Eventually, there is a representation by an individual actor but I try to see above this because there is a story to be told. You have to reach out to people at large by taking the story to them and I thought this is the best way to take this story there. When you talk to someone, you have to talk to them in their language.”
Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui opened in theatres on December 10. It opened to largely mixed reviews. Film critic Saibal Chatterjee, in his review for NDTV, wrote this about Vaani Kapoor’s performance: “Vaani Kapoor is a revelation. Playing a challenging role that requires her to be much more than a hot bod and a pretty face, she is equal to the task. Any doubts that one might entertain about her suitability for the role would rest entirely on external considerations. Judged purely in the context of the film and what she brings to the table, she justifies the casting.”
Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui is the latest addition to Ayushmann Khurrana’s staple genre- social comedies. He is known for his hilarious takes on social taboos in films like Badhaai Ho! Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, Vicky Donor, Balaand Dream Girl among others. The film is directed by Abhishek Kapoor.
