Naanu Avanalla, Avalu by B.S. Lingadevaru Halemane, which bagged two-national awards, is claimed to be the first such film for the Kannada film industry.

“Of course there were films on transgenders. But they dealt their issues as a sub-text, not a main-text. Our film is inspired by I am Vidya, a transgender’s journey , an autobiography of Living Smile Vidya”, said Mr. Lingadevaru.

Sanchari Vijay, who essayed the role of the protagonist, won the best actor award, which came to Kannada after a gap of 27 years. For the first time in the history of Kannada cinema, the film got the award in the make-up category.

Initially, he thought of casting a transgender for the role of Madesh, who transforms later as Vidya in the film, but that did not materialise. Many transgenders have acted in various roles, including that of Sharada Nani and Danamma.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Muralidhara Khajane / Bengaluru – September 24th, 2015