Ali Rehman essays the titular role of Guru, the leader of a khawajasira (transperson) troupe which dances at weddings and special occasions. One stormy night, Guru discovers an abandoned baby girl and is unable tostop caring for her despite the many problems and responsibilities it may bring.
One of twin girls, the child was sent by its desperate mother to be adopted but, just like the girl’s angry biological father, the foster parents wanted a boy. The baby attracts more unwanted attention from Guru’s neighbours, who accuse the dancers of kidnapping her. Ali Rehman has kept the usual flamboyance associated with this community low-key and restrained, but it is still hard to fit his very masculine persona into this feminised shell.
Zhalay Sarhady also makes an impact as the anguished mother trying to save her child. This show is a timely reminder that khawajasiras are not a new or imported Western phenomenon, and have always had a place in the landscape of the Indo-Pak Subcontinent.