Shubhi Sharma on Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations: I pray to Bappa to remove barriers of discrimination for my community

Shubhi Sharma, a talented transgender actress known for her roles in popular television shows like Anupamaa, Dhruv Tara, Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, Chaand Jalne Laga, Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 2, Saavi Ki Savaari, and Nath, opened up about celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi this year with love, devotion, and hope for a more inclusive future.Speaking about the growing visibility of the transgender community during festivals, Shubhi shared, "I'm happy that our transgender community is gaining public visibility, with people inviting us to perform aarti, puja, and other forms of worship at their homes and prominent pandals. It’s heartwarming to see this change. As Lord Ganesha is revered as the remover of obstacles and a symbol of new beginnings, our community celebrates this festival by invoking Bappa to help remove societal barriers like discrimination and exclusion.

"She also reflected on the deeper significance of these celebrations for the community, saying, "Our transgender identity has a recognized place within Hindu tradition, which lends credence to claims of inclusion during religious festivals. While these celebrations are a positive step toward acceptance, the reality is that our struggles remain the same throughout the year. Finding work opportunities or simply living an easy life is still a challenge for many of us.

"This year, Shubhi had a special celebration as she spent time with her family."I celebrated the festival at my brother's house with my nephew Aan Tiwari, who is known for his role in Veer Hanuman, and my niece Saachi Tiwari, who was last seen in Prem Leela. I also visited many actors’ homes to give them blessings, including Karan Khandelwal, Pavitra Punia, Kajal Chauhan, Sapna Gill, Anupama Solanki, Richa Sharma, and many others.

Apart from that, I joined the Ganpati celebrations on the set of Anupamaa with Rupali Ganguly and Adrija Roy.

This year, the celebration was truly magical," she said.As she looks forward to new beginnings, Shubhi added, "I wish Bappa blesses me with new work opportunities and makes my living easier. More than anything, I hope He brings strength and acceptance to my entire community."