A trans actress has made history by being cast as the lead in a new Indian film.

Anjali Ameer is the first trans woman to play a female lead in Indian cinema, in what is being described as an exciting new chapter for the industry.

Cast alongside one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, Mammootty, the model turned actress said she is “excited” to work along with one of India’s biggest stars.

“It was a great experience working with people like Mammootty and director Ram,” she said.

“To get a character with such a team was a great learning experience. Initially, I was intimidated, but Mammootty encouraged and supported me during the shoot.”

Anjali told the India Times about the struggles she has faced to get where she is today.

“Initially, it wasn’t acceptable for my family. So, I ran away from home,” she said.

“I lived with transgender communities in Coimbatore and Bengaluru in the next couple of years. It was a period of real personal struggle.

“Later, my family accepted me for who I am and wanted me to come back home.

“They have been supportive and they are my strength.”

The film currently has no name but is bilingual and will be released in Tamil and Malayalam.

Trans people in India are still treated with derision and a recent survey revealed that a majority don’t vote in elections.

Recently, a trans model had “a dream come true” when she was able to walk the runway at Indian Fashion Week.