Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju on her upcoming psychological thriller series 'Kankhajura', medical career and more

After her acting debut with the second season of the popular series 'Made In Heaven’ in 2019, Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, who also holds the titles of a doctor, content creator, and transgender activist, did not look back at all.

In 2022, she was listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 - India and Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia - Media, Marketing and Advertising. She was on the Forbes Top 100 Digital Stars List in 2022 and 2023, besides being listed under the GQ 25 Most Influential Young Indians List in 2021 and the GQ 30 Most Influential Young Indians List in 2022.

Now, she is all geared up to entertain the audience with her upcoming psychological thriller series, 'Kankhajura', which will be released on May 30.

About 'Kankhajura': When two estranged brothers are forced to revisit their haunted past, memories twist into a dangerous reality. Produced by Ajay Rai and directed by Chandan Arora, ‘KanKhajura ’ brings together a compelling ensemble cast including Roshan Mathew, Mohit Raina, Mahesh Shetty, Ninad Kamat, Sarah Jane Dias, Trinetra Haldar, and Usha Nadkarni, among others. Based on the acclaimed Israeli series ‘Magpie’, the show has been reimagined under license from Yes Studios by creators Adam Bizanski, Omri Shenhar, and Dana Eden, produced by Donna and Shula Productions, delivering a tale that explores fractured families, betrayal, and the thin, fragile line between guilt and survival. Here is a link to the teaser of 'Kankhajura'

In an exclusive interview with Mathrubhumi, Trinetra speaks about how she landed the role, prepped for it, and her medical career. Excerpts from the interview:

1. First up, Trinetra, tell me how you landed this role in 'Kankhajura'?

I had auditioned for this part back in 2023, a few months after the second season of ‘Made in Heaven’ was released. I didn’t know much about the series when casting director Mukesh Chhabra reached out to me. However, I did like my part. Later, he called me and locked the part, and that is when I read the script properly and got blown away by the world that the makers had created. I was literally in awe of all the characters because they were fleshed out with intricacy. Every character in the series is extremely intriguing in their own way because of their layers and complexities. There is no definite hero or villain, per se, because as an audience, one can relate to every single character on screen.

2. How did you prepare for playing the role of Amy?

Playing the character of Amy has been challenging, indeed. I attended workshops with acting coach Puja Sarup to create Amy’s character in my head, and I tell you, it was real fun doing that. We also had a dialect coach for perfecting the Konkani accent. However, what was most challenging as an actor was the physical transformation I went through to ace the role with perfection. I love transformations. For Amy’s character, I coloured my hair red and got piercings done- and for the unversed, I am not one bit like Amy in reality.

3. How was it working with Chandan Arora?

Chandan spearheaded the show. He was the one who created the whole universe from the Israeli series ‘Magpie’. He is largely an editor but also directs and is extremely passionate about this craft. Chandan created the safe space that I needed for playing with Amy, and I am grateful to him for that. It was a delight collaborating with him professionally.

4. ⁠Do you still have time to practice your medical career?

No, I don’t practise anymore. I was interning while shooting for ‘Made in Heaven’. An actor and a doctor have completely different professional demands. A doctor needs to be present at the hospital 24*7. I stopped practicing when I realised I was not able to give my hundred percent in either of the professions. I chose to be a full-time actor and made the switch.

5. With the kind of roles you are playing, what impact do you want to make?

I believe in doing meaningful work. What I mean is the audience should relate to the roles I play on screen. I am proud of the unforgettable characters I have played so far and sincerely hope that I continue to do the same.

6. ⁠Can you tell us about your future projects?

Unfortunately, right now, I cannot talk about the roles that I have signed (laughs). However, I do have several interesting projects lined up and hope to reveal them soon.