"This year, everything in my life has changed!"
Jeeva Subramaniam, who played a key role in Dorothy, said this Diwali felt different from any before.
Dorothy is Karthik Subbaraj’s film starring Sanath and Rishikanth, and it tells a refreshing story of a transgender person.
The story follows a transgender person braving a patriarchal family and society.
Jeeva reflected on how she once had to leave home because of her own transgender identity.
She said she had not celebrated birthdays or festivals for years.
This Diwali was different, she added, thanks to Karthik banking on her.
In a long post, Jeeva stated that she had not celebrated her birthday or any festival for many years.
That included Diwali, which carried painful memories for her.
She recalled that leaving home four days before Diwali caused “immense pain and profound shift” in her life.
The actress added that this happened “at an age when I didn’t even fully understand my own life or who I truly was.”
Since then, the mention of Diwali brought back only painful memories for her.
She wrot:, “Each year, leading up to Diwali, I would stock up on essentials like rice and lentils—enough to last me for four days.
“During the festival, I would stay indoors, keeping my doors shut and avoiding any social contact.
“I would only step out for a film shoot; otherwise, I spent those four days in complete solitude.
“But this year, everything in my life has changed!”
Jeeva credited Dorothy and Karthik for changing her life.
She said she has been receiving birthday and festival wishes from across the world.
The star added that she has never experienced such love before.
“I have never even celebrated my own birthday until now.
“But this time, I organised a small celebration for myself.
“I went to a shop, bought a cake, cut it, and enjoyed eating it—all by myself.”
“It might seem like a small thing, but for me, it brought immense joy!”
For Diwali, the actor did not buy new clothes or firecrackers.
“For the first time in many years, I am experiencing this Deepavali with a heart full of happiness.
“The most significant reason for this transformation is my dear younger brother, the director Karthik Subbaraj.
“He was the first to recognise my talent, place his trust in me, and create an opportunity for me.
“I never imagined that this opportunity would bring such beautiful changes—not just to my professional journey, but to my personal life as well.”
Jeeva also wrote that for that alone, she will always celebrate Karthik.
“I have always believed in remembering and celebrating the good deeds, contributions, and help that others have extended to us at the right time.
“It doesn’t matter to me who chooses to celebrate or who doesn’t; I will always celebrate those who have done good.”
Wishing everyone happiness and love, she wrote about her years of solitude and emotional pain during past Deepavalis.
Dorothy tells the story of childhood friends Karthi and Subbu, played by Rishikanth and Sanath respectively.
They grow up in a patriarchal place, until Dorothy, played by Keerthy Suresh, enters their life and changes everything.
The film had its world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival before its theatrical release.
It collected 18.34 crore worldwide but received rave reviews. It is currently streaming on Netflix.
