Former Miss Universe and actress Sushmita Sen is currently in the news for essaying the role of Shreegauri Sawant in Ravi Jadhav’s ‘Taali.’ The series premiered on Independence Day and has received a positive response from the critics. Streaming on the JioCinema app, the show is created by Arjun Singh Baran and Kartik Nishandar. Based on Shreegauri Sawant, let’s take a look at the inspirational journey of this Mumbai-based transgender activist.
Who is Shreegauri Sawant?
Born in Pune’s Bhavanipeth government quarters, she was born as Ganesh Sawant. Her father was a police officer, meanwhile, her mother was a housewife. Her mother considered aborting her due to a gap of 10-year pregnancy. However, the doctor insisted she keep the child as the fetus was strong and fully developed.
The transformative journey from Ganesh to Gauri
The passing of Gauri Sawant’s mother holds a strong significance in her life. It marked the pivotal beginning of her transformative journey when she was merely seven years old. Leaving her under the care of her grandmother, Gauri chose to leave her family home and desired to avoid her father around the age of 15.
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Arrival in Mumbai
Gauri traveled to Mumbai and made a friend, who was a former gay individual turned transgender s*x worker. This friend then extended hospitality and provided food and shelter to her for four days. She soon was introduced to the Humsafar Trust, a prominent LGBTQ+ organization in India. Under their guidance, she started earning a livelihood of Rs 1500.
Role in the Supreme Court’s verdict in 2014
Sawant was one of the petitioners of the National Legal Services Authority, in which the court recognized transgender as the third gender with a final successful verdict passed in 2014.
Adoption rights fight
Gauri started to visit The Humsafar Trust and gained the confidence to accept herself, after which she undertook the decision to adopt. She adopted and raised a little girl named Gayatri.
“Ab Taali bajegi hausla badhane ke liye!"#Taali, Shreegauri Sawant's legendary fight for India's third gender.#TaaliOnJioCinema streaming free 15 Aug. #2DaysToGo!#Taali #JioCinema@thesushmitasen @ShreegauriS pic.twitter.com/FJ1rCi3fkx
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) August 13, 2023
Sakhi Char Chowghi Trust
Shreegauri Sawant founded the NGO Sakhii Char Chowghi Trust in the year 2000, which offers counseling to transgenders and also spreads awareness about safe s*x.