After his sensitive portrayal of a journalist in the hardhitting drama Aligarh, the actor will play a eunuch in a Bengali film.
Shriram Iyengar
Actor Rajkummar Rao is set to take on a new challenge by portraying a eunuch in a Bengali film.
Titled Aami Saira Bano, the Bengali film is being directed by Rahul Mukherjee and is produced by Hasibul Haque. The film will see the National Award winning actor play a transgender. Speaking about the film to a city daily, the actor said, "It’s a story about a boy who is a girl from inside and is drawn towards the transgender community who rechristen him Saira Bano. It was a fascinating story and character and challenged me as an actor."
The actor was previously seen in the sensitive drama on gay rights, Aligarh, directed by Hansal Mehta. Reports suggest Rao has spent two months learning the Bengali language, and has even shaved his body for the film.
However, the shooting for the film has currently stalled due to financial reasons. Once the issues are resolved, the actor will resume shooting for the film.
There are few actors who have the courage to push their boundaries and take on characters far from their own personality. Rao has already displayed his ability through films like Kai Po Che! (2013), Shahid (2013), Aligarh (2015) and Queen (2015).
