New Delhi: After playing 'Sangram' in 'Aarya', Ankur Bhatia is reunited with Sushmita Sen for her upcoming series 'Taali', based on the life of Gauri Sawant. The series throws light on Sawant's daring transformation, her journey to motherhood, and the battle that resulted in the inclusion of the third gender in all Indian documents. Sen, who is playing the character of 'Gauri Sawant' brought her former co-star Ankur Bhatia on board as 'Naveen', the gay activist, who always supported Gauri.
In a chat with ABP Live over a video call, Ankur Bhatia discussed his character and shared his experience in the series.
He said, "I am just very honoured to be a part of such a web-series which is kind of focussing towards such a huge cause and when I heard about this, I was kind of taken aback because I've worked with Sushmita Sen on 'Aarya' before and this thing is completely different. It's a very challenging thing to pick up for any actor. When she told me about this, I was pleasantly surprised and I could see her doing it, so I was very thrilled for her."
"And, then she mentioned about this character 'Naveen' who is one of Gauri Sawant's biggest help and he is an activist and also runs an NGO at the same time fighting for the rights of LGBTQ+ community. Sushmita then narrated the story of Gauri Sawant and what she has gone through and I was like 'There is no one else apart from Sushmita Sen who can play this part'," he added.
Ankur Bhatia then shared what made him say 'yes' to the role and said, "When she told that I could be 'Naveen', I wasn't hundred percent confident, but when I thought about it and the story sunk in, I realised that this would be a great opportunity for me as an actor, because I have always played this alpha man, always angry, and all those shades that I have done as an antagonist. This series, on the other hand, was giving me the space to perform something totally different, out of my comfort zone."
"So, she introduced me to the director and they couldn't see me as Naveen because I had played 'Sangram' which is a totally different personality altogether. So, I auditioned for it and then they got me on board."
He also went on to share what kind of an experience will the audience have while watching the series and said, "They are definitely going to learn a lot about what the current society and scenario is for transgenders and also for the LGBTQ+ community and I think somewhere they will kind of look inside themselves as how they treat people, because it is a very emotional journey of Gauri Sawant."
"In the trailer also there is a line which Sushmita Sen says 'Is desh mein kutto ka bhi senses hote hai, waha pe humare senses hi nahi', which is actually true. If you don't leave them with any option, don't give them Aadhar card, pan card or anything, how do they exist? If someone is coming to us at a traffic signal, we immediately close the window- we treat them like that, and its about time people stop doing it and kind of understand them and treat them well and be more human towards them," he further added.
'Taali' is set to be released on Jio Cinemas on August 15, 2023.