Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti And Ayesha Sood On Telling Real Queer Stories Through 'In Transit'

For decades, Indian pop culture has often relegated queer identity to caricatures, comedic relief, or marginalized figures. Trans characters were frequently portrayed as tragic or threatening, lacking nuance and agency.

In Transit, a documentary series created by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti and directed by Ayesha Sood, offers a powerful counter-narrative. The series allows trans and non-binary individuals to share their stories in their own voices, exploring themes of love, family, identity, and navigating a world that often marginalizes them.

Zoya and Reema, known for their work in fiction, ventured into nonfiction out of curiosity and a sense of responsibility. Ayesha Sood, director of Indian Predator: The Butcher of Delhi, focused on allowing these real stories to unfold authentically.

An Instagram post from Tiger Baby, the production company behind the series.

In this interview, the creators discuss the emotional groundwork of the project, the role of cinema in shaping public consciousness, and the importance of telling this story now, unfiltered and uncompromised.

'We Were Curious Too'

For Zoya and Reema, the project began with a simple question driven by curiosity. Zoya explains, "We were learning too. After Made in Heaven, people said they felt seen. But there was also this assumption that these stories were western, urban, elite. We wanted to learn more."

Patruni in a still from "In Transit," showcasing the visual storytelling.

The series is a tapestry of lived experiences, not an educational lecture. Ayesha states, "We didn't go into this thinking we were going to teach anyone anything. We knew nobody wants to watch a PSA. We wanted people to feel, and that comes from letting real people speak their truths."

Why Documentary, Not Fiction?

Given the creators' background in narrative cinema, the decision to make a documentary might seem surprising. However, for Zoya and Reema, it was the only way to authentically tell these stories. Zoya explains, "You can't write something you don't know about. In this case, the lived experience is far more powerful than any fictionalized version. Their voices matter more than ours."

Trust First, Film Later

Before filming, the team spent months listening. Ayesha shares, "We started with Zoom calls, met people in person, asked questions. What surprised us was how much they wanted to speak. No one had asked them before."

Another Instagram post from Tiger Baby, promoting the series.

This approach of building trust resulted in an emotionally charged, collaborative project. Reema notes, "This wasn’t just casting and moving on. We were and still are involved in their lives. Even in post-production, we were reaching out for archival material, checking in. It wasn’t transactional.”

Stories That Stay With You

The team struggles to pick a single moment that left a lasting impression. Ayesha recalls, "There were so many. But I remember Aryan. He was talking about vulnerability in relationships, and after he finished, we called cut. And the room just… fell silent. I think everyone called their moms and dads after that. It was that moving."

Rumi in a scene from "In Transit", highlighting the series' focus on individual stories.

Each story carries its own power. These are not just stories of struggle but also of joy, courage, community, and love. Reema emphasizes, "They’re heroes. They think so deeply about identity and about how they can give back. It’s humbling."

Designing The Visual Language

In Transit is visually rich, despite its documentary format. Ayesha explains, "We designed it before we shot it. We knew we didn’t want re-enactments or dramatisation. Just the person, in their own voice, framed against a visual background that holds emotional meaning."

Rishi is captured in a still from "In Transit," showcasing the series' intimate and visually driven approach.

The goal was to achieve universality. Zoya says, "Whether they’re talking about family, love, or identity, these are things everyone understands. You forget it’s a 'gender story.' You just see a human being telling you who they are.”

The Role Of Storytelling In Changing Perceptions

Zoya states emphatically: “Cinema is one of the biggest drivers of pop culture in India. So it matters how we show people. If we represent someone, we better do it with honesty and dignity." She adds, "If a kid sees a character who feels like them—who isn’t the butt of a joke, who isn’t ridiculed—it changes how they see themselves. It tells them, you’re okay. You belong.” This representation is particularly important for those growing up in environments where queerness is not discussed.

A Series That Sees, Without Spectacle

In Transit does not force a single message. It listens to its subjects rather than speaking about them. Reema concludes, “The most powerful thing is that they are seen. On their own terms. In their own words. That’s enough.”

Aryan in a reflective moment from "In Transit," illustrating the series' exploration of personal experiences.

Looking back, Zoya adds, “What struck me most is how similar we all are. Everyone wants the same things: love, respect, dignity, freedom. These aren’t niche desires. They’re human ones.”

Beyond Representation

In Transit, with its strength, visuals, and storytelling, encourages viewers to look past binaries and stereotypes. It is a personal and overdue project, especially when representation often feels superficial. These stories of love, family, longing, and resilience deserve to be watched. It is a portrayal of people being seen as human beings, not symbols.