Transgender visibility in India is about to take a massive step forward, as a transgender model is set to star in a mainstream Malayalam film for the first time.

Anjali Ameer will appear in the upcoming bilingual film Peranbu, making her the first trans actress to play a female lead in an Indian movie.

The 21-year-old will star opposite A-list Malayalam actor Mammootty, who actually recommended Ameer for the role.



The actress said she was initially intimidated on the set, but told IndiaTimes that Mammootty encouraged and supported her throughout the shoot.

Ameer ran away from home after her family initially struggled with the news that she was transgender, but the model said they eventually accepted her and are now her source of strength as she navigates her burgeoning career in entertainment.