Pratiba Raman/Bengaluru

Prominent transgender rights activist Akkai Padmashali made heads turn in Karnataka when she married Vasudev V in 2018. She then became the first transwoman in India to legally adopt a child. While her marriage didn’t last long, she has won back her long lost family.

This Raksha Bandhan has blessed her with an additional brother. “I faced a lot of difficulties. And I chose the wrong partner in life. If you ask me what good came of it, I went back to my long lost family and won their love,” said Akkai.

While she has a biological younger brother who is physically challenged, she is also the proud sister of one of the superstars of Kannada cinema.

Actor Dhananjaya, who shot to fame as Daali in the Sandalwood filmTagaru, is now busy with the latest film Ratnan Prapancha. This film is centred on a lower middle-class family and the importance of relationships said the actor. Akkai decided to dive into reel life by playing an important character and sharing screen space with Dhananjaya.

Akkai Padmashali trying rakhi to her brother actor Dhananjaya

“When I first met Dhananjaya, I didn’t speak to him for a day or two. But I later admonished him for playing the nasty character of Daali inTagaru. I had to warn him because he sets an example in society with his roles. I wanted him to exercise caution while deciding on the characters he wishes to essay,” said Akkai, adding that she was pleasantly surprised that he chose to remain quiet.

Dhananjaya had to explain that it was a character that was essential in the movie and its theme. “The moment she got to know Dhananjaya, she forgot Daali,” said the actor, laughing at his newfound sister. “I am glad that I found a sister in her,” said Dhananjaya, claiming that he already has two elder sisters.

Both of them were quick to shower compliments on each other. “What I like about Dhananjaya is that he is caring, loving and non-discriminatory,” said Akkai. And Dhananjaya loves the fact that she is strong-willed, a compassionate person and a good leader.

“Akkai doesn’t need sympathy; all she needs is acceptance,” said Dhananjaya, who has even worked in a short film on transgenders.

Actor Dhananjaya giving his rakhi sister Akkai Padmashali a gift on Rakshabandhan

The transgender rights activist may now be happy that life has come a full circle as far as her family is concerned.  “One family still can’t change that large social perspective. Both Dhananjaya and I have a long way to go before steering the right change for a greater social cause,” said Akkai, who has just set foot into politics.

“I want more like Akkai in politics for I believe that it is a platform for revolution,” said Dhananjaya, determined to have Akkai’s back right through.