From being the first transgender judge of Lok Adalat to a member of Kerala State Human Rights Commission, Riya Isha, a trans woman from Malappuram, has many feathers in her cap. And now, the second year BA Economics student of Government College in Malappuram is all set to make her silver screen debut.
Riya had always dreamed big, but she never thought she will end up being a film actor. However, life threw her a surprise, and she landed a lead role in a Malayalam feature film called Anchamathe Athyayam, meaning ‘fifth chapter’, directed by Anwar Ali.
Speaking to TNM, Riya talks about the ongoing shoot, and how she hopes her stint as an actor will help change the public perception towards transgender community.
“The story of the film is based in Malappuram itself. I play the character of a trans woman. Part of the film revolves around the struggle my character and her partner go through to adopt a child,” says Riya.
In March, Riya reportedly became the first transgender student to compete in Folk Dance competition of University Youth Festivals in Kerala. She is also part of the Malappuram Justice Board and a participant in the Kerala Fashion League.
Riya, who believes that a medium like film can influence people’s perception, is happy that her first film talks about a transgender person’s journey.
“I believe that film is a medium which offers the easiest means to communicate with the society. And with movies like Anchamathe Athyayam, people will get a glimpse into the real lives of transgender people. If done consistently, this will eradicate taboos against the transgender community,” Riya says confidently.
Changing perceptions isn't new to Riya either. In fact, when she joined the Malappuram Government College, unsurprisingly, the other students were not keen on mingling with her due to her gender identity. "But now, they are all very friendly. There's even a separate toilet in the college for me, the only transgender student. I hope the scenario will be much better for other transgender students who come here after me," Riya says with hope.
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