Dunya — a film featuring khwaja siras
By Sher Khan
Published: October 11, 2012
http://tribune.com.pk/story/450312/dunya--a-film-featuring-khwaja-siras/LAHORE: The media's portrayal of khwaja siras (transgender individuals) is often negative. In the film industry, such a character is either the subject of a joke or frowned upon and given limited roles.
In Shoaib Mansoor's Bol, we saw the transgender community play a more positive role as its members tried to save a young boy from the clutches of harassers. In the same spirit, this coming February these neglected individuals of our society will play a role in Dunya, a Punjabi film directed by the distinguished Shahid Rana, who is making a comeback after five years.
Near the acclaimed Evernew Studios in Lahore, a rooftop marriage hall is festooned with lights. Dhol and dafli players are all set to film a scene capturing an old-city haveli. Around 20 khwaja siras are dressed in their best outfits; their eyes shining with excitement as they prepare for their film debut. Starring alongside are some of Lollywood's finest actors; Moammar Rana, Saima, Shafqat Cheema, Rambo, and Nargis. It's the shooting of the film Dunya, in which 70 members of the transgender community will act alongside the film industry's prominent stars.
