Indian Designer Swapnil Shinde comes out as Transwoman

Famous Bollywood fashion designer Swapnil Shinde has come out as a transwoman named Saisha Shinde.

The designer took to Instagram on January 5, 2021, to make the announcement.

Saisha Shinde is best known for her work dressing A-list Bollywood celebrities.

The designer has worked with celebrities including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone and Shraddha Kapoor among others.

Shinde took to Instagram and wrote a long post, announcing that she is a transwoman.

She also asked to be addressed as ‘Saisha’, which means “a meaningful life”.

Shinde wrote: “Irrespective of your origin, there will always be something that reminds you of your childhood.

“For me, it takes me back to the kind of loneliness that aches, to pressures that pushed me into solitude and the chaos of confusion that grew every moment.

“All through school and college, while the boys outside tormented me because I was different, the internal pain was far worse.

“I felt suffocated living in a reality that I knew wasn’t mine, yet one that I had to stage every day because of societal expectations and norms.

“It was only in my early 20s at NIFT where I found the courage to accept my truth; I truly bloomed.

“I spent the next few years believing that I was attracted to men because I was gay.

“It was only 6 years ago that I finally accepted to myself, and today that I accept to you.”

“I’m not a gay man. I am a transwoman.”

Shinde also shared an Instagram story where she mentioned that her team has started calling her “ma’am” about a month ago “with utmost pride”.

The designer rose to fame when she designed costumes for Madhur Bhandarkar’s Fashion (2008).

From there on out the Bollywood designer’s work became an instant hit.

Shinde was soon dressing Bollywood celebrities for red carpets, award shows, magazine covers and even designing costumes for movies.

In another Instagram post, the celebrity designer shared a picture of herself and wrote: “Here we go 2021. #saishashinde.”

As soon as Shinde shared the post, celebrities and well-wishers started sharing their messages.

Bollywood actress Sunny Leone wrote:

“I love you and I am so proud of you for being the BEST YOU!! The YOU you always wanted to be.

“Congrats and happy birthday SISTA!!”

Parineeti Chopra commented: “So happy to read this. Up and up from here, Saisha.”