India's first transgender heroine - Anjali Ameer

When Malayalam superstar Mammootty recently introduced his latest costar, it added a new chapter in the history of Indian cinema.

The artist in question is Anjali Ameer, a transsexual, the first one to play a female lead in the Indian cinema. The bilingual (Tamil and Malayalam) directed by Ram is set to be released later this year. The Tamil version is called 'Peranbu' while the Malayalam one is yet to be named.

Model turned actress Anjali underwent a sex change surgery at the age of 20. She's all excited about working with one of India's greatest actors in the very first film.

Recalling her experiences,Anjali told Indiatimes that it was Mammootty who suggested her name to director Ram."It was a great experience working with people like Mammootty and director Ram. To get a character with such a team was a great learning experience. Initially, I was intimidated, but Mammootty encouraged and supported me during the shoot."

Born in an orthodox Muslim family in Kerala's Kozhikode, Anjali lost her mother at an early age and her father a couple of years ago. Anjali said she always felt feminine and wanted to be a girl.

"After completing my class 10th, I started trying to undergo this change. Initially, it wasn't acceptable for my family. So, I ran away from home. I lived with transgender communities in Coimbatore and Bengaluru in the next couple of years. It was a period of real personal struggle," she said.

"Later, my family accepted me for who I am and wanted me to come back home. They have been supportive and they are my strength."

While the majority of those going through a gender crisis end up on the fringes, and get into prostitution, dancing or begging to make a living, Anjali said she was clear about what she wanted to do in life.

"Acting was a passion for me. As a kid, I used to take part in youth festivals. I feel like acting is the best that I can do to bring out my personality," she said.