Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana recently inaugurated a food truck in Chandigarh, India dedicated to the transgender community. The food trucks, called 'Sweekar' (Accept), hope to drive a message of acceptance towards the transgender community in the wider society.
"This Food Truck has been inaugurated for a very special reason – to encourage and include the trans community in society. It's a small step... more people who think about society and are sensitive towards it should come forward and help them. They (trans) are an invisible and underprivileged community in our country and this food truck is a kind of push to make them self-reliant and financially independent so that they can find a place in society," the actor said told ANI after handing over the keys to the Sweekar Food Trucks to the transgender community last week.
Leading trans activist from Chandigarh, Dhananjay Chauhan, the first transgender student of Panjab University who champions the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, thanked Khurrana for the initiative.
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"The definition of progress of a country can be measured in how empowered, self-reliant and protected every community feels. Ayushmann has always been a true supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community in India. He has done this through his brand of cinema, as well as in the way he lives his life or how he conducts himself on social media. Chandigarh is his home. So, it is really special that he has stepped forward to help the transgender community here," Chauhan said.
"I strongly feel that we don't need anything special from society. We only need them to see us, hear us and accept us. A lot of us are educated, hardworking and just need work opportunities to prove our mettle. Ayushmann has given wings to our aspirations and encouraged us every step of the way. We are going to make this count," Chauhan added.
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Meanwhile, on the work front, Khurrana had a very active 2023, with several films hitting the cinemas. He was last seen in the comedy-drama 'Dream Girl 2', which saw him don the disguise of a female character and go through many interesting scenes, plot twists and dance numbers.
As of 2024, Khurrana is yet to announce any major projects on the cinema front.
(*With ANI inputs)