Trans Stories Take Center Stage in Zoya Akhtar’s ‘In Transit’
Tiger Baby, the Indian production company behind the acclaimed series “Made in Heaven,” is expanding their storytelling reach with a new documentary series for Prime Video titled “In Transit.” This series follows nine transgender individuals across India as they navigate love, identity, and struggle beyond the binaries of gender.
The diverse cast of “In Transit” includes individuals from various backgrounds, such as a young educator living in a reserve forest, a classical musician from Bengaluru, and a corporate professional in Mumbai. Each character is at a different stage of their transgender journey, challenging societal norms and holding steadfastly to their truth through both turmoil and triumph.
The genesis of the series can be traced back to the positive response to “Made in Heaven,” where producers Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti introduced transgender representation that deeply resonated with audiences. This led to overwhelming feedback and questions from the community, prompting the producers to delve deeper into transgender experiences.
Prime Video backed the project, and Tiger Baby partnered with director Ayesha Sood, whose extensive career includes work with renowned directors and acclaimed projects. Sood shares a particularly moving moment with Aryan, a character from Mumbai, whose discussion on vulnerability left a lasting impact on the production team.
Building trust with the subjects of “In Transit” required extensive relationship development over a year and a half. Sood emphasizes the importance of building trust and creating a safe space for individuals to share their stories authentically.
The series aims to balance aesthetic ambition with deep respect for its subjects, navigating personal and societal thresholds with authenticity and dignity. Akhtar and Kagti see the shift from scripted to unscripted content as an exciting creative expansion, emphasizing the responsibility to maintain authenticity while protecting their subjects.
Despite the challenges of finding subjects willing to share their stories on camera, the filmmakers were fortunate to connect with nine individuals ready to tell their stories. The series aims to impact mainstream Indian media’s approach to transgender and non-binary representation through thorough research and authentic collaboration.
Drawing from their experience writing transgender characters for “Made in Heaven,” the producers stress the importance of community input and authentic representation. They hope that “In Transit” is just the beginning of expanding transgender storytelling in India, with potential for more projects in the future.
Overall, “In Transit” showcases the universal human experiences of its diverse characters, highlighting the importance of authenticity, respect, and representation in storytelling. As the series premieres on Prime Video, the filmmakers are hopeful for its impact on audiences and the broader conversation around transgender representation in Indian media. Tiger Baby Productions is expanding its unscripted slate with the addition of a new series titled “In Transit,” which is set to stream starting on June 13. This latest offering from the production company joins the ranks of other acclaimed documentaries such as “Angry Young Men” and “Turtle Walker.”
“In Transit” promises to take viewers on a captivating journey, offering a unique perspective on the world of transportation. With a focus on the intricacies of travel and the stories that unfold during transit, the series is sure to provide an engaging and thought-provoking viewing experience.
The minds behind Tiger Baby Productions, including renowned filmmakers Reema Kagti, Zoya Akhtar, and Ayesha Sood, are excited to bring this new project to audiences. Known for their innovative storytelling and compelling narratives, the team is dedicated to delivering high-quality content that resonates with viewers.
With the success of their previous documentaries, Tiger Baby Productions has established itself as a leading force in the world of unscripted television. “In Transit” is poised to further solidify their reputation and showcase their commitment to producing compelling and meaningful content.
As the series prepares to make its debut on streaming platforms, audiences can look forward to a fresh and engaging take on the world of transportation. From the challenges of daily commuting to the adventures of long-distance travel, “In Transit” promises to explore the many facets of moving from place to place.
Stay tuned for the premiere of “In Transit” on June 13, and prepare to embark on a journey unlike any other. With Tiger Baby Productions at the helm, this latest addition to their unscripted slate is sure to captivate and inspire audiences around the world.
