Introduction

The Hindi web series “Taali” (2023, Jio Cinema) delves into the intricate journey of Gauri Sawant (played by Sushmita Sen), a transgender individual, as she navigates through societal prejudices and legal challenges while advocating for the rights of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Asexual (LGBTQA) community. It also portrays her journey toward motherhood. As a psychiatrist specializing in the mental health of marginalized groups, we critically examined the series, focusing on its portrayal of characters and mental health issues within the LGBTQA community.

Accuracy of Mental Health Portrayal

“Taali” offers a poignant portrayal of Gauri’s transformation from enduring abuse to receiving admiration. This is aptly mentioned in the series as “Gaali se Taali tak ki Kahaani” highlighting society’s slowly evolving perception of transgender individuals [Figure 1]. The series effectively depicts the struggles faced by transgender individuals right from childhood, including the fear of rejection and the desperate attempts to conform to societal norms. The forever looming fear that one’s own siblings may mock them or their own parents may scold/hit/disown them has been aptly shown in the show. There are instances where this community is facing unnecessary brunt of hate and violence is well depicted. It aptly depicts the issues of childhood adjustment and prevalent suicides in this community. However, it falls short in adequately addressing some crucial mental health issues such as substance abuse, depression, and anxiety within the LGBTQA community.

Legal Aspects

Gauri Sawant’s journey in establishing her NGO, Sakhi Char Chowghi, is a testament to her resilience and dedication to the transgender community. Facing societal challenges and personal hardships, she founded the organization in 2000 to promote safe sex and provide counseling to transgender individuals. However, the foundation and further development of this important NGO have not been shown in the web series.

The series frequently highlighted how the existence of members of this community is ignored by the government manifesting into no death certificates for them.

Her activism took a significant turn when she became the first transgender person to file a petition in the Supreme Court of India (2014) for the adoption rights of transgender people. This was a pivotal moment not only for her but also for the LGBTQ+ community in India, as it led to the recognition of transgender as the third gender by the Supreme Court in the landmark National Legal Services Authority case.

Treatment and Recovery

The series does not underscore the importance of seeking professional help when Gauri was taking her hormonal therapy and undergoing sex reassignment surgery. However, the series fails to highlight the role of specialists such as psychiatrists, gynecologists, and plastic surgeons who are involved in the management of these patients. Her father took her to a BHMS doctor in a sex clinic to supposedly “treat her,” which is quite commonly prevalent in the relatives of these patients. The series shows how these people are forcibly given medicines with a be, key that they will become “normal” and their gender will get “corrected.” The series has not conveyed the right point of contact for these patients who deal with mental health issues which ideally should be a psychiatrist or a psychologist leading to a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the mental health aspects of the LGBTQA community, leaving significant issues unaddressed.

Character Development

Heartwarming scenes, such as Gauri’s first‑time air travel anxiety and her blessings for those who assist her, add depth to her character. Despite the lack of social support, Gauri seeked inner strength through her belief in Sai Baba which shows her resilience and the tendency of people from this community to seek aid from various sources such as religious beliefs. Gauri’s relationship with her well‑meaning father, who struggles to understand her identity, reflects the pain of feeling unaccepted and unbelonged, a sentiment many in the LGBTQA community can relate to. During a scene where Gauri fights for the respect and rights of her dead colleague, the entire hijra community came to back her with full support despite legal threats which shows the strength and unity among the community. Cross‑dressing has been shown in a delicate manner where the lead character is seen cross‑dressing in hiding and gradually increasing the length of her hair in public. The series also touches upon the topic of motherhood where Ganesh (later Gauri) intends to become a mother and this idea being swatted off by near and dear ones because of the age‑old notion that only biological females can be mothers.

Stigma and Awareness

“Taali” effectively highlights the harsh realities of discrimination faced by the LGBTQA community, from physical violence to legal battles for equality. The portrayal of fake hijras and the exploitation faced by transgender individuals underscores the need for social reform and legal protection for this community. There is ample Indian Digital Content on transgender community but its apt portrayal is far from achieved. For example, in the movie Laxmi Bomb, the transgender character is the scary, vengeful spirit in the film which children might not be comfortable to view.

Overall Impression

While “Taali” sensitizes viewers to the struggles of the LGBTQA community and promotes empathy, its failure to address mental health challenges diminishes its impact. Nevertheless, the series serves as a catalyst for conversations around freedom, equality, and education, advocating for societal introspection and acceptance.

Conclusion

“Taali” is a significant step toward breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity. The story is brought to life quite skillfully by Director Ravi Jadhav and the talented lead Sushmita Sen. However, addressing mental health issues within the LGBTQA community is crucial for comprehensive support and advocacy. As we continue to strive for a more equitable society, let us remember that true acceptance begins with understanding and compassion. 

Author:

Dr. Sagar Bhalke
Consultant Psychiatrist
MBBS, MD, DNB, PDF (CAMH).