We need more trans actors: Ali Rehman Khan on why a Khwajasira wasn't hired to play Guru

The portrayal of transgender characters onscreen has often sparked discussions about authenticity, representation, and inclusivity. In a recent interview with BBC Urdu, actor Ali Rehman Khan opened up about his role of a transgender character in the TV serial Guru on Express Entertainment. Addressing the backlash against his portrayal, Khan discussed his motivations, challenges, and the significance of transgender representation in the media.

The Bebasi actor’s portrayal of a transgender character is a departure from his usual roles of heroes and villains. He acknowledged the challenges of breaking away from his comfort zone, while emphasizing his commitment to approaching the role of Guru authentically. “Getting out of the comfort of playing the hero or villain is challenging. I knew when people will see me in this avatar, they will have so many questions. So, the challenge for me was to make sure I do this authentically and honestly.”

When asked about the Khwajasiras who disagree with such portrayals being handed over to men and women, since doing so would naturally rob the character of authenticity, Khan replied, “I would encourage more Khwajasiras to venture into the field of acting, because we just have one or two full-time actors. We even tried for one or two of the chelas in the show to be members of the community. And we did a lot of auditions but couldn’t find any actors. And with a huge production there is a lot at stake.”

The actor went on to express his desire to see more transgender people playing themselves onscreen. “Our industry needs them. We need them to play these roles more efficiently than I can play or anyone else can play.”

Khan's dedication to play the role authentically led him to meet with members of the community to discuss the challenges they encounter on a daily basis. “We sat with them in their homes, spoke to them. I did it as part of my job as an artist to play a character. But I ended up learning a lot. The most important thing they said was ‘We are normal people like you.’”

The actor held, “When you get criticized every day for the way you walk, talk, look, dress up, and that’s how your whole day is spent – being criticized – but you wake up the next day and decide to do everything exactly the same way, that takes guts. I think, these are the strongest people of our society. They’re the most solid, and strongest emotionally and mentally. I have a lot of respect for the Khwajasira community and I wish they get that same respect from everyone.”

Khan also shared that he did a lot of archival research before playing the role of Guru. “Documentaries, films, everything people have done before. And I decided that I would not copy what’s already been done or replicate any portrayal,” he said.  

Upon whether Guru is humanizing Khawajasiras in society and onscreen, Khan held, “I really hope it is able to… build a perception that enables people to be more empathetic towards them. I want, that the next time someone interacts with them, they think twice about their own mannerism. Our serial is being seen everywhere, even in India. And everyone is showering it with love. It has sparked a discussion about how mistreated the Khwajasira community in society and how it needs to be given more respect. They are happy that it is highlighting this issue.”

About how he ended up saying yes to the project, Khan recalled, “A friend of mine narrated this story of a Khwajasira to me. The love with which she detailed his journey, how he’d go on to find a girl and bring her up, it was really moving. I said I want to do this. But a year passed by and nothing became of it. Then one fine day, I was in a meeting with Express and by coincidence, Hina said ‘We’re doing Guru as well’ and I don’t know how but it instantly clicked. And I asked her whether this a project about a Khwajasira and she said yes, it is the same story. I don’t know if I manifested it but I knew that I had to do it.”

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