“As a transgender woman and actor, I have got a lot of respect” – Kusum Samanta

I was at the panel discussion of Tanni Chaudhuri’s docu-feature Lights, Camera, Mega! when I saw her walk in. She looked dignified in a grey saree, her hair was tied in a simple bun, and I instantly recognised her. She had played one of the main characters in the mega-serial Phirki, which had an out-of-the box storyline of a group of transgender women adopting a young girl and the travails they face because of their decision. The serial was extremely popular, and since she played an important transgender character in it, it was easy to recognise Kusum Samanta.

Soft spoken, gracious, Kusum told me the serial gave her recognition that she had never imagined was possible. Then she talked about her struggles to reach where she is today. What struck me is her poise and her sweet nature. Her struggles have not ended but she takes on each day with positivity and patience.

In this interview Kusum Samanta talks about why she chose not to become a hijra, how she realises the importance of education and family support, how she keeps honing her skills in acting and continues to struggle to find roles.

Caption of lead photo: Filmmaker Tanni Chaudhuri, Kusum Samanta and actress Ananya Chatterjee at the press conference of Lights, Camera, Mega!

Did you always nurse the dream of becoming an actor?

When I was in school, I used to take part in school dramas. I owe a lot to my drama teacher in school for teaching me acting and when I got my break in the serial Phirki I had gone to his house with sweets to seek his blessings. Later on, I joined jatra and did theatre too. I did a few short films as well and I am a part of the docu-feature Lights, Camera, Mega! that has won an award. So, yes acting was something I always pursued.

As a transgender person was it difficult to get a break?

It was very, very difficult. Because people have very little understanding of the transcommunity. When I would go to the studios, I would be turned away from the gates by the security guards. Sometimes if I managed to reach the director, he would hand me a wrong number so that I could never get through to him again.

Initially, the only role that I was offered was that of a hijra character. Those roles were small, but I accepted those because I felt somewhere you have to start. I needed the money also because I had to contribute to the finances at home.

But to tell you the truth I hated playing the role of a hijra.

Why is that?

Hijras are a community. In fact, it is a profession. Many transgender people are joining the community because one can earn good money in the profession.

But one has to keep in mind that all transgender persons are not hijras. Hijra is not a gender identity it is a profession.

Transgender people can pursue any profession, they can have their own dreams and aspirations. I could never imagine that I would take up the profession of a hijra and I will be begging at traffic signals. I always wanted to be an actor.

What I was determined not to do in my real life if I am asked to keep doing that same role on screen, you can imagine my plight. I felt terrible.

How did you get your break in Phirki?

That is actually a very interesting story. As you know Phirki is the story of how a transwoman Lokkhi adopts a baby girl and fights against all odds to bring her up. When I saw the trailer, I saw women were acting as transwomen in the serial.

I had written a post on Facebook, asking why can’t transwomen, who are into acting, get an opportunity? Sangbad Pratidin newspaper did an article based on my post.

The makers agreed to first take two transpeople in the serial although the main character of Lokkhi was being played by a female actor, Arja Banerjee.

Then finally they took five transwomen in the serial and I played Parvati, Lokkhi’s friend. The out-of-the-box storyline of the serial directed by Soumen Halder was an instant hit.

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How did life change after Phirki?

The serial gave me unbelievable recognition. Wherever I went people said, “Apni toh Phirkir Parvati.” You can’t imagine how happy I felt.

People started approaching me with respect. I felt after all those years of struggle I had finally arrived. Phirki became my moment of truth. 

The money I earned from the serial was also good. I set up a gift shop in my locality to ensure a regular flow of income.

So, roles started coming in after Phirki…

That is what I had thought would happen but sadly I had no work after Phirki ended. No one approached me for a role and when I approached people, they were cordial and respectful towards me, but no one had a role that would suit me. So, I started my struggle all over again.

Meanwhile, I kept doing theatre workshops and honing my skills. I have always believed in education and learning. I could not go to college but my school Vidyanagar Multipurpose has a big role in making me who I am today.

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But you again got a role in Tumi Ashe Pashe Thakle…

Yes, I was lucky to land a role in the serial Tumi Ashe Pashe Thakle. They were looking for someone to play a gay personality who would be the heroine’s best friend. They asked me to play that character. But I told them I am not comfortable playing a gay person and I requested them to think about me, about a transwoman who could also be a heroine’s best friend.

I am grateful to them that they listened to me and tailored the role for me. I really enjoyed playing that character and the serial did really well on Star Jalsha.

Now that the serial is over, are you struggling again?

I think the struggle of an actor never ends. The uncertainty of my profession is something that was troubling me. That’s why I set up the gift shop. I work in my gift shop and keep looking for roles when I am not working.

I don’t believe in sitting idle and mulling over my struggles. I love writing poetry, so I write in my spare time. I also do rehearsals for theatre. On September 3, 2024, we are doing a stage show to celebrate Rituparno Ghosh’s life and work at Gyan Manch. Ten trans actors will enact the main characters from his 10 films. It’s a show I am really looking forward to because we are working hard for it and the idea is very novel.  

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How do you see yourself in the future?

I want to leave a mark with my work and also, I want to be remembered for my genial disposition, humility and dignity. Although trans people have attained a lot of rights in India but still when I get up in a bus I do not know where to sit. A lot of government schemes are being given for men and women but there are none for transpeople. I want to bring these struggles of ours to the fore.

I also want to be respected for who I am. I do not believe in shouting, screaming and threatening to get my way.

I feel if I have to make an impact in the long run then it is very important to be polished, gracious and have self-respect. 

What is your opinion about the movement that is going on currently asking for justice for RG Kar victim?

It is shocking. The whole world has come out in support of the victim, and we are asking for justice. It has created an absolute uproar. Our trans community has joined the march for justice. Rape is a reality in the transgender community. Physical assaults are common too. We should always get together as human beings to raise our voice against such heinous crimes.

Interview by Amrita Mukherjee