Aiman Kalia’s Powerful Role as a Transgender Person in Kaina.

Aiman Kalia, star of Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin, has captivated audiences with his portrayal of a transgender person character in the short film Kaina. The film won Best Short Film at the Los Angeles Film Awards 2024, marking a significant moment in Kalia’s career.

Stepping Into Sahoj’s Shoes

Kalia plays the character Sahoj, a transgender person, in Kaina. “During the look test, when I saw myself in a saree and wig, I felt I could really embody this role,” he recalled. This was the first step in his journey to bring Sahoj to life authentically.

Deep Research and Real-Life Immersion

To prepare, Kalia dove into research by watching films and visiting transgender communities. “We spent time with them, talked to them, and observed their lives,” he shared. Kalia also interacted with transgender people in daily life to better understand their experiences and avoid stereotypes.

Overcoming Initial Fear

Kalia admitted feeling nervous about how his portrayal would be received. “I was afraid of being mocked or not taken seriously,” he said. “But as I immersed myself in the character, the fear faded. I embraced it and allowed myself to experience what it’s like to walk in Sahoj’s shoes.”

Authenticity in Portrayal

Representing the transgender community with authenticity was essential to Kalia. “There’s a lot of misrepresentation in media, and I didn’t want to add to that,” he explained. “I aimed to portray Sahoj as a real, multidimensional person, free from stereotypes.”

A Film That Earned Respect

Kaina‘s success has been overwhelming. In addition to its Best Short Film win at the Los Angeles Film Awards, it also garnered recognition at other prestigious festivals, including Cannes and the New York Film Awards. “It felt amazing to see a film about the transgender community receive such respect,” Kalia said.

Team Effort Behind the Success

Kalia credited much of the film’s success to the collaborative effort of the team. “Our director, Aaryaveer Singh, and DOP Rambo Kherwal guided us to stay true to the story. Their leadership helped make the film powerful and authentic.”

Advocacy Through Authentic Storytelling

Kalia’s performance in Kaina highlights the importance of accurate representation and the struggles of the transgender community. Through his dedication to the role, Kalia aims to break down societal barriers and advocate for understanding and acceptance. His commitment to authenticity positions him as a rising star in the industry.