Tista Das is an Indian actress, social activist, transgender advocate, and an enduring symbol of empowerment and choice for the transgender community in India. Her story begins with the dreams of a little girl who longed to see herself on screen, identifying with the grace and strength of heroines like Suchitra Sen and Sharmila Tagore. As a child she would imitate their expressions and movements, all the while carrying within her the prayer that one day her body and soul would be aligned. That prayer eventually became a lived reality, and her journey from a young dreamer to a woman celebrated for her authenticity has inspired countless people. Her film career has brought her into collaborations with renowned directors and storytellers, including I Could Not Be Your Son, Mom, directed by Sohini Dasgupta, and Subrata Dutta’s The Third Gender, a poignant exploration of love, identity, and societal resistance. In Beyond Reflections, directed by Umesh Bist, her own life took center stage in a moving account of her determination to live authentically despite the many challenges placed before her. These projects stand not only as artistic achievements but also as milestones in the ongoing fight for visibility and representation of transgender people in cinema.
Yet Tista’s creativity and passions extend far beyond acting. She is a published poet whose words echo her inner strength and her sensitivity to the human condition. She has a deep love for fashion and often experiments with styles that express her femininity, whether through sarees, salwars, or the art of makeup. She has even worked with internationally renowned makeover artists, embracing transformation as both an artistic and personal act. At the same time, she has never lost sight of the causes closest to her heart, particularly her advocacy for animals, reminding us that her compassion is as vast as her artistry. Her personal journey has not been without obstacles. From navigating the financial and emotional strains of gender-affirming surgery to confronting the harsh realities of societal prejudice, Tista has shown remarkable resilience. She speaks openly about her dreams of love and marriage, her belief in the power of acceptance, and her view that being transgender is part of the broader frontier of human rights. She has found role models in figures like April Ashley, Amelia Maltepe, and Carmen Carrera, but she has also become a role model in her own right, admired for her courage and authenticity. Tista Das stands today as a voice of change, a woman who has turned her life into both art and advocacy. She embodies resilience, beauty, and creativity, while continuing to challenge stereotypes and inspire new generations. It is my great pleasure and honor to welcome her to this conversation.
Monika: Today it is my great pleasure and honor to interview Tista Das, a remarkable Indian actress, social activist, transgender advocate, and a true icon of empowerment and choice for the transgender community in India. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to speak with her today. Hello Tista, and thank you for joining me.
Tista: Hello Monika, thank you so much for those kind words. It feels wonderful to be here with you, sharing my story and my experiences. I am always happy to connect with people who want to understand our journeys with sincerity and respect, so I am really looking forward to our conversation.
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| Isn't she beautiful? |
Monika: At what point in your life did you first feel the desire to follow acting as your career path?
Tista: I wanted to pursue a career in acting from my childhood days. While watching movies, there were quite a number of occasions when I fantasized about being alongside on-screen heroines like Suchitra Sen or Sharmila Tagore. I used to imitate them, the way they pouted or walked or looked at the heroes. I was like every girly girl since my childhood, with an anatomical difference. Every night before falling asleep, I used to pray to God to align my body with my soul. Acting was not just a dream for me, it was a lifeline that gave me hope for the future.
Monika: Which actresses or films have influenced and inspired you the most throughout your journey?
Tista: Suchitra Sen and Sharmila Tagore. I liked almost all of their movies. They embodied elegance and strength in a way that deeply resonated with me.
Monika: How did it feel to take part in the documentary I Could Not Be Your Son, Mom by Buddhadeb Dasgupta?
Tista: It was like a dream come true to be able to work under one of the finest directors of world cinema. The film talks about the growing-up years of a woman who was trapped in a male body. The documentary was directed by Sohini Dasgupta. That experience gave me confidence that my story had value and deserved to be told.
Monika: You also played a role in Subrata Dutta’s film The Third Gender. Could you tell me more about this project and its significance?
Tista: Yes, The Third Gender is about the story of Tista, who has a male lover who wants to marry her. They face a tremendous challenge, as society and family, including political leadership, are against this marriage. So the protagonist Tista must go under the knife in order to change her sex. The movie attempts to unfold a complicated story of a feminine boy. Acting in this film allowed me to connect with audiences on a very personal and emotional level.
Monika: You later took the lead role in Beyond Reflections, directed by Umesh Bist, which was based on your own life. How would you describe this experience?
Tista: This was again a documentary film about Tista’s poignant journey of becoming herself. The film depicts Tista’s journey against gender stereotyping and how she triumphs against all odds. Sharing my life so openly was both challenging and healing, and it strengthened my commitment to inspire others.
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| She wants someone to sweep her off her feet. |
Monika: Many women dream about their wedding day as a symbol of love and acceptance. What are your own dreams when it comes to marriage?
Tista: To me, marriage is graduating to the next level of life, to be accepted by someone special and by his close family members. Moreover, marriage is a social bond, like receiving a stamp of approval. Dating can be frustrating for a woman. After going through many mismatches, a dream wedding is like finding someone special who is not afraid to let everyone know that she is stamped as a chosen life partner for the entire world to see. Yes, I have many wedding fantasies, but unfortunately, my search is still on. I believe that when the right person appears, the wait and all the struggles will finally feel worthwhile.
Monika: How do you feel about the way transgender characters and stories have been portrayed in films, books, and the media so far?
Tista: I like reading stories about transgender people and have watched a few films on them. There are quite a few good films on the subject. Transgender erotica, not porn, is also something that calls for my attention. I love reading stories on Fiction Mania, which is a platform dedicated to us. But porn stories or films about transgender persons, where it devalues our community, is a strict no-no for me. It is important that our stories are told with dignity, because they have the power to change perceptions and open hearts.
Monika: In your view, is there such a thing as transgender art, and what does being a transgender artist mean to you personally?
Tista: I think there should not be something called transgender art, yet there are many transgender artists. I myself am a published poet. For me, art is universal, but when created by transgender people it naturally carries layers of experience that make it unique.
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| Who would have thought this pretty boy was born to become a gorgeous woman someday? |
Monika: During your transition, were there any transgender women you looked up to as role models?
Tista: I read about April Ashley. She is quite a beauty, and I admire her a lot. Of late I came to know about Amelia Maltepe, you know, she too is a Bengali like me, and Carmen Carrera. Both of them are gorgeous like hell. Learning about them gave me courage to embrace myself more fully.
Monika: Looking back, what was the most difficult part of your coming out journey?
Tista: My family stood beside me after initial denial. The biggest difficulty was arranging funds for surgery, but I did that successfully. Thank God, I am now a complete woman. That process tested my strength but also proved how determined I was to live authentically.
Monika: How do you view the current situation of transgender women in Indian society today?
Tista: The situation is the same everywhere. Being transgender today means struggling for visibility and acceptance. Our society is cruel to us. Still, I believe each small act of courage pushes society a step closer to change.
Monika: Do you see transgender identity as part of the next great frontier in the fight for human rights?
Tista: Of course, it can. It is not just about us, but about the universal right to live with dignity.
Monika: Do you participate in political life or advocacy, and in your opinion, can transgender women bring change through politics?
Tista: No, I am not into active politics. Neither have I participated in any lobbying campaigns. In India, there are women from our community who are into active politics. I am an animal activist and I care for street animals. For me, change can also begin in small, compassionate acts that make the world kinder.
Monika: What place does love hold in your life, and how do you think about it in relation to your journey?
Tista: The importance of love is immense. I am sincerely looking forward to someone who will love me till the end, who will accept me as I am. But if I fail to get one for myself, there is no regret. At least I have fulfilled one dream, and that is to be myself. Love, in all its forms, has already shaped me and given me strength.
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| Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the sexiest of them all? |
Monika: Fashion often reflects personality and self-expression. How would you describe your sense of style, and are there particular outfits, colors, or trends you enjoy the most?
Tista: Regarding fashion, I am like every girly girl. I wear sarees, salwars, leggings, and whatnot. I experiment with makeup and I love getting dolled up by some good makeup artists. I have worked with many makeover artists of international repute, Mickey Contractor being one of them. Dressing up makes me feel alive and gives me confidence to shine in my own way.
Monika: Many transgender women decide to share their journeys through memoirs. Have you ever considered writing your own life story in book form?
Tista: I write poetry, and poetry is one of my biggest passions besides acting. I have not yet decided to write a book of my own, but I would definitely like someone to pen down an account of my life. Even a big fat fairytale-like wedding fiction with a billionaire where Tista is a cute sexy bride is OK for me, lol. Poetry already allows me to share my soul, but a book would let me reach people in a deeper way.
Monika: Are there any current projects you are working on that you would like to share with us?
Tista: Yes, I am acting in a few film projects. Let’s keep it a secret for the time being. I promise my audience that when the time comes, they will not be disappointed.
Monika: What advice would you give to transgender women who dream of becoming film directors?
Tista: Who am I to recommend them? They have to prove themselves to be so good that they don’t need any recommendation from me. True success comes from talent and determination, not from shortcuts or approval.
Monika: Tista, thank you so much for taking the time to share your journey and your thoughts with me today.
Tista: Thank you, Monika, it was a pleasure speaking with you. Conversations like this remind me why it is important to keep telling our stories.
All the photos: courtesy of Tista Das.
© 2016 - Monika Kowalska
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