23-05-2025
Trinetra Haldar on dealing with social media trolling, bullying: ‘I still cry…'
Trinetra Haldar on dealing with social media trolling, bullying: 'I still cry…' | Exclusive
In addition to rewriting screenplays, Dr. Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju is also rewriting history. Trinetra, India's first transgender doctor-turned-actor, is a formidable, genuine, and unwaveringly graceful woman. Renowned for her groundbreaking role in Made in Heaven 2, she is making a comeback to the big screen with the brutal criminal thriller Kan Khajura, which opens on May 30.
In an exclusive conversation, she opens up about her powerful new role, the personal battles that shaped her, and the delicate balance between building resilience and holding on to vulnerability. The Role That Breaks the Mold
Trinetra's next screen appearance is in Kan Khajura, a genre she's never explored before. 'I am so excited for this release, I cannot tell you,' she beams. 'It's coming out on the 30th of May, and I haven't played a character like this before.'
She plays Amy, a Goan bakery owner who transitioned from Amey, the childhood best friend of the film's protagonist Ashu. Now, after Ashu's release from prison, their friendship begins to evolve into something deeper—only for Amy to find herself entangled in his manipulative plans.
'Amy is someone who is very tough for the world… but when it comes to her romantic relationships, she's a completely different person—vulnerable, soft, and yearning for love and acceptance.' Medicine, Empathy, and Bombay's Harsh Lights
Before acting, Trinetra walked the hallowed halls of hospitals as a doctor. Her medical training, she says, shaped her profoundly—not just as a person, but as an artist.
'You're trained to empathize with everyone, whether they're rich or poor. That kind of empathy helps you play any character. And seeing disease and death so closely, it grounds you.'
She adds that medicine prepared her for Bombay—the chaos, the glitter, and the rejection.
'It reminds you of the bigger picture… of why you're doing what you're doing.' Fighting Prejudice: From College Classrooms to Legal Battles
Despite her academic excellence, Trinetra faced harsh discrimination during her medical training. One of her earliest acts of self-expression—wearing a tiny diamond nose stud—was met with expulsion from class.
'I was banned from anatomy class. I was topping my tests and had a government seat. But that was the first time I realized—your identity will always be held against you.'
From facing bias from professors to being harassed in boys' hostels and denied accommodation in the girls' hostel, she eventually filed a PIL for her rights.
'For any trans person to navigate Indian society is difficult. Period.' Support, Struggles, and the Sacred Role of Family
Amidst all the chaos, Trinetra finds unwavering strength in her family.
'It's been tough on them—but they've been accepting, they've been willing to learn. Without them, I wouldn't have come this far in life. I owe it all to them.' The Industry's Reality Check: Has It Really Changed?
Debuting under Zoya Akhtar in Made in Heaven 2 opened many doors—but Trinetra remains clear-eyed about the industry's inclusivity.
'Just because one filmmaker does something, doesn't mean the whole industry changes. We're still struggling with cis-women representation, let alone trans folks.'
She's grateful for the mentorship and opportunities, but the road ahead, she says, is long.
'You're not everybody's cup of tea—and that's okay.' The Power of Vulnerability
Even with a toughened exterior, Trinetra confesses that trolls still get to her.
'I still cry all the time, bro.'
She believes that retaining vulnerability is not a weakness—it's a necessity, especially for actors.
'If you become thick-skinned to the point where you don't feel anything, I'm sorry, but you're just going to be a bad person… You need to build a thick skin, but also know when to let your guard down.' What's Next: Regional Dreams and Creative Depth
Besides Kan Khajura, Trinetra is setting her sights on regional cinema, a space she finds artistically rich.
'I come from a mixed-language home, and I feel like regional cinema—Malayalam, Bengali—is doing such amazing work. I'd love to collaborate across languages and cultures.' Conclusion
Trinetra's story is not just about being a trailblazer in medicine or entertainment—it's about navigating life's hardest moments with grace, intelligence, and unflinching honesty. As she redefines who gets to tell stories—and how—one thing becomes clear: Trinetra isn't just in the spotlight. She is the light.
