Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui: Abhishek Kapoor explains why he chose Vaani instead of a trans-woman for Maanvi’s role

Abhishek Kapoor is a brave filmmaker who not only entertained the masses but also gave them an important hard-hitting message through his film Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui -- love sees no gender. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana as fitness instructor Manu and Vaani Kapoor as Maanvi Brar, a trans-girl, the film follows a mind-bending love story. From Manu’s path to acceptance to Vaani’s spectacular portrayal of Maanvi, everything about the film won our hearts. Not to forget Ayushmann and Vaani’s sizzling chemistry and the heart-warming climax! Well, it wasn’t an easy film to make.

In a chat with Mid Day, Abhishek shared, “It is a sensitive subject and one can end up offending the community. I took the mainstream approach to normalise conversations about them.” When asked if he wanted to cast a trans-woman for Maanvi’s role, the filmmaker replied, “The mission was to not only make a film, but also deliver a message that reached far and wide; and to bring about change. With the purest [intention], it would have [been ideal] to cast a trans woman, but we also needed a seasoned performer to play the part. Vaani had the right amount of experience [as an actor].”

He explained that it was important to start a conversation first because once it is normalized, one can make films with trans people. In an earlier interview, Vaani had also shared that she hopes after Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, no cis-het actor ever plays the role of a trans-woman and casting people from the community to play such characters becomes normal. Well, the film definitely had an impact on the audiences!