Deepa Mehta and Sirat Taneja discuss their documentary ‘I Am Sirat,’ which chronicles a journey of identity and acceptance 

Engendered premieres Deepa Mehta's I Am Sirat, a documentary on trans life in India, at India International Centre.

At the India International Centre at Lodhi Road, Engendered — a Transnational Arts and Human Rights organisation — featured the Delhi premiere of Academy Award-nominee Deepa Mehta’s documentary film I Am Sirat, co-directed by its titular trans star, Sirat Taneja.

The evening, which gradually turned into a lively gabfest among Delhi’s queer circles, movie buffs and media mavens, was backed by The Dutch and Belgian Embassies.

I Am Sirat looks at what it means to be trans in India through the journey of Sirat Taneja. The film makes its way through Sirat’s life as a trans woman in Delhi, juxtaposing her dual existence as Aman at home and Sirat in the wider world. Having already premiered the film at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), followed by screenings in London, Chandigarh and Dharamshala, the Delhi-born Sirat finally found her way home.

At TIFF, the film had Sirat positively floored by the outpouring of support, leaving her at a loss for words as the collective sentiments reassured her, “You’re not alone, we’re right here with you.” But it was the screening in her beloved Delhi that truly tugged at her heartstrings, her hometown being where her family and roots lie. For at its core, the film was Sirat’s quest for acceptance among those nearest and dearest to her.

Best known for the infamously divisive ‘Elements’ trilogy, the film marked Mehta’s return to documentary style after 20-odd years. Speaking to The Hindu, the filmmaker recounted her initial conversation with Sirat, who sought to share her story authentically. “The film has always been a collaborative effort,” Mehta emphasised, recalling Sirat’s desire to have her story heard, having been friends for four years.

Initially hesitant, Mehta recognised the importance of Sirat’s perspective and the necessity for a collaborative approach rather than assuming full creative control. “I first declined the idea of the film,” Mehta admitted, “until Sirat agreed to do it herself.” This realisation led to the decision to adopt an unscripted documentary style, allowing Sirat’s voice to shape the narrative organically. The result is a unique visual narrative shot entirely on a smartphone, one that blends Sirat’s personal perspective vertically with Mehta’s broader landscape shots for context.

Filming felt like second nature to Sirat, who, thanks to her natural knack for Instagram Reels, practically had a camera glued to her hand throughout. “From dawn till dusk, the camera was my constant companion. Except for when I bathed of course,” she quipped in conversation with The Hindu.