Over the years, several Indian actors have dressed in female roles or portrayed transgender characters on screen. From Kamal Haasan in Chachi 420 to Akshay Kumar in Laxmii, many performances have sparked conversation. But only one Indian male actor has achieved a truly unique feat: winning an international Best Actress award. (Images: IMDb)
In 1996, Nirmal Pandey starred in Daayraa, directed by veteran actor-filmmaker Amol Palekar. The critically acclaimed film explored themes of gender identity, violence against women, trauma, and social prejudice, subjects rarely discussed openly in Indian cinema at the time. In the film, Pandey played a transgender performer who forms an emotional bond with a woman trying to recover from sexual assault trauma. The woman was portrayed by Sonali Kulkarni. Both actors received widespread praise for their sensitive and layered performances. (Image: IMDb)
At the Valenciennes International Festival of Action and Adventure Films in France in 1997, Nirmal Pandey and Sonali Kulkarni jointly won the Best Actress award for their performances in Daayraa. With this, Pandey became the only Indian male actor to win an international Best Actress honour. The unusual achievement was later recognised by the Limca Book of Records as well. (Image: IMDb)
Despite critical acclaim abroad, Daayraa struggled to secure a theatrical release in India. The film dealt with sexuality, gender identity, and violence in a way that was considered bold for the 1990s. According to later interviews by Amol Palekar, the Central Board of Film Certification reportedly objected to certain dialogues and scenes. Although the film eventually received an adult certificate after edits, it never got a proper theatrical release in the country. Over time, however, the film earned cult status among cinephiles and is now remembered as one of the earliest Indian films to portray gender fluidity and queer identity with empathy and depth. (Image: IMDb)
Born in 1962 in Rajasthan, Nirmal Pandey trained at the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD), where he developed a strong foundation in theatre and performance. He later spent time in London working in theatre productions before returning to India. Pandey made his film debut in Bandit Queen, directed by Shekhar Kapur. In the film, he played the role of Vikram Mallah, the dacoit who becomes Phoolan Devi’s ally and companion. (Image: IMDb)
The actor quickly became known for his striking screen presence and versatility. He often played memorable negative characters in films like Auzaar, Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, and One 2 Ka 4. But beyond villain roles, he also displayed remarkable comic timing and emotional depth in films such as Hadh Kar Di Aapne. (Image: TMDB)
Nirmal Pandey passed away in 2010 at the age of 47 after reportedly suffering a heart attack. His death shocked many in the film industry, especially those who admired his understated but powerful performances. His final film, Lahore, was released after his death and received critical appreciation. (Image: News18 Hindi)
