Arandeep Das embarked on his journey in showbiz as a dancer in the reality show Dance India Dance (2011). In 2019, he made the courageous decision to undergo a s*x change surgery, reemerging as Ivanka Das. Over the years, Ivanka has graced platforms like Dance Deewane and appeared in various projects across different mediums. However, despite her talent and dedication, Ivanka feels she is not receiving the recognition she deserves and hopes to secure more substantial roles in the future.
Reflecting on her experiences, Ivanka expresses her frustration at being typecast solely as a transwoman in roles, lamenting the lack of opportunities to portray female characters despite her appearance aligning with traditional feminine traits. “In the last few years, I have bagged roles only as a transwoman. I fail to understand why people don’t cast me in female roles. I look like a woman and most people, who don’t know me, can’t tell I was a man earlier,” Ivanka shares, citing her appearances in projects like R Balki’s Ghoomer and the TV show Chand Jalne Laga.
Opening up about her journey of self-discovery, Ivanka recalls grappling with her identity from childhood, feeling like a woman trapped in a man’s body. Eventually, in 2019, she made the life-altering decision to undergo gender-affirming surgery to align her physical appearance with her true self. Looking ahead, Ivanka hopes to find acceptance and love, expressing her desire to connect with someone who embraces her for who she is.
However, Ivanka also faces the challenge of addressing misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding her transformation. She expresses weariness at repeatedly fielding questions about her transition, emphasizing that her identity encompasses more than just her gender journey. “There is more to me and my personality than just my transformation from a man to a woman. I am hoping to get more opportunities to showcase my work,” Ivanka asserts, yearning for opportunities to showcase her talent beyond her gender identity.
In navigating her identity and career in the entertainment industry, Ivanka Das remains determined to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and secure the recognition she rightfully deserves.