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In addition to rewriting screenplays Dr. Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju is also rewriting history. Trinetra Indias first transgender doctor-turned-actor is a formidable genuine and unwaveringly graceful woman. Renowned for her groundbreaking role in Made in Heaven 2 she is making a comeback to the big screen with the brutal criminal thriller Kan Khajura which opens on May 30. In an exclusive conversation she opens up about her powerful new role the personal battles that shaped her and the delicate balance between building resilience and holding on to vulnerability. The Role That Breaks the Mold Trinetra’s next screen appearance is in Kan Khajura a genre she’s never explored before. “I am so excited for this release I cannot tell you” she beams. “It’s coming out on the 30th of May and I haven’t played a character like this before.” She plays Amy a Goan bakery owner who transitioned from Amey the childhood best friend of the film’s protagonist Ashu. Now after Ashu’s release from prison their friendship begins to evolve into something deeper—only for Amy to find herself entangled in his manipulative plans. “Amy is someone who is very tough for the world… but when it comes to her romantic relationships she’s a completely different person—vulnerable soft and yearning for love and acceptance.” Medicine Empathy and Bombay’s Harsh Lights Before acting Trinetra walked the hallowed halls of hospitals as a doctor. Her medical training she says shaped her profoundly—not just as a person but as an artist. “You’re trained to empathize with everyone whether they’re rich or poor. That kind of empathy helps you play any character. And seeing disease and death so closely it grounds you.” She adds that medicine prepared her for Bombay—the chaos the glitter and the rejection. “It reminds you of the bigger picture… of why you’re doing what you’re doing.” Fighting Prejudice: From College Classrooms to Legal Battles Despite her academic excellence Trinetra faced harsh discrimination during her medical training. One of her earliest acts of self-expression—wearing a tiny diamond nose stud—was met with expulsion from class. “I was banned from anatomy class. I was topping my tests and had a government seat. But that was the first time I realized—your identity will always be held against you.” From facing bias from professors to being harassed in boys’ hostels and denied accommodation in the girls’ hostel she eventually filed a PIL for her rights. “For any trans person to navigate Indian society is difficult. Period.” Support Struggles and the Sacred Role of Family Amidst all the chaos Trinetra finds unwavering strength in her family. “It’s been tough on them—but they’ve been accepting they’ve been willing to learn. Without them I wouldn’t have come this far in life. I owe it all to them.” The Industry’s Reality Check: Has It Really Changed? Debuting under Zoya Akhtar in Made in Heaven 2 opened many doors—but Trinetra remains clear-eyed about the industry’s inclusivity. “Just because one filmmaker does something doesn’t mean the whole industry changes. We’re still struggling with cis-women representation let alone trans folks.” She’s grateful for the mentorship and opportunities but the road ahead she says is long. “You’re not everybody’s cup of tea—and that’s okay.” The Power of Vulnerability Even with a toughened exterior Trinetra confesses that trolls still get to her. “I still cry all the time bro.” She believes that retaining vulnerability is not a weakness—it’s a necessity especially for actors. “If you become thick-skinned to the point where you don’t feel anything I’m sorry but you’re just going to be a bad person… You need to build a thick skin but also know when to let your guard down.” What’s Next: Regional Dreams and Creative Depth Besides Kan Khajura Trinetra is setting her sights on regional cinema a space she finds artistically rich. “I come from a mixed-language home and I feel like regional cinema—Malayalam Bengali—is doing such amazing work. I’d love to collaborate across languages and cultures.” Conclusion Trinetra’s story is not just about being a trailblazer in medicine or entertainment—it’s about navigating life’s hardest moments with grace intelligence and unflinching honesty. As she redefines who gets to tell stories—and how—one thing becomes clear: Trinetra isn’t just in the spotlight. She is the light.