Shakti Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii has focused on the plight of eunuchs by documenting the protagonist Saumya’s plight as a kinnar. While Rubina Dilaik has been appreciated for her convincing portrayal of a eunuch, her co-star Kamya Punjabi has also received accolades for playing the antagonist, Preeto. In fact, Kamya’s portrayal is so convincing that she has received some backlash from eunuchs. The actress reveals that such confrontations have become a part of her daily life. Despite the ordeal Kamya is facing, she believes there is a bright side. The show allows her to openly discuss gender discrimination with her young daughter.
Kamya explains that working with eunuchs has not only been an eye-opener, but has also sensitised the cast, crew and their immediate associations towards the kinnar community. Kamya says, “For an actor, it’s an achievement for having people remember you for your reel-life character. It means you have hit the right chord with audiences. Also, since I have taken on this show, my daughter has also become sensitive towards kinnars. She asks me about the kinnar community and we have had discussions about this. She now understands that by looking down on them, the society is going against the basics of humanity.”
