PERSONAL INFORMATION
Birth Name: Jamsheer
Profession(s): • Actor • Model
Date of Birth: 20 February 1995 (Monday)
Age (as of 2024): 29 Years
Birthplace: Thamarassery, Kozhikode, Kerala
Zodiac sign: Pisces
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Kozhikode
Religion: Islam
Food Habit: Non-vegetarian
Beverage: Coffee
Age: 29 Years
EDUCATION
School: Attended a school in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (12th class)
College/University: Malabar Christian College, Kozhikode
Educational Qualification: Bachelor of Arts in Malayalam
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height (approx.): 5′ 6″ (168 cm)
Eye Colour: Dark Brown
Hair Colour: Black with Light Golden Brown Highlights
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Marital Status: Unmarried
Parents: (Deceased)
Siblings: Sister(s) – 2 • Yasmeen (police officer in Chennai) • Akshita (police officer in Salem, Tamil Nadu)
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Debut: Film • Tamil: Peranbu (2018) as ‘Meera’ • Malayalam: Suvarna Purushan (2018)
Awards: 2019: Special Momentum for the Tamil film ‘Peranbu’ at Asianet Film Awards 2024: Received an award at an event held in Kozhikode, Kerala 2024: Best Actress in Trans Community for the Malayalam film ‘The Spoils’ at the Creative Arts and Cultural Co-operative Society Ltd.’s Critics Film Awards
OTHER INFORMATION
Tattoo(s): On the right side of back: A rose
Social Media: • Instagram • Facebook • YouTube
Gender Identity: Transwoman
Colour(s): Green, White
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Anjali Ameer’s journey began in the conservative environment of Kozhikode, Kerala, where she was raised in a traditional Muslim family. Her life took a tragic turn when, at just eight months old, she lost her mother in a car accident. Following this heartbreaking loss, her father remarried, and it was her mother’s sister who stepped in to raise her. From an early age, Anjali displayed a fascination with dressing up and experimenting with makeup, especially eye shadow. Though her family supported these interests, they often did not regard them with the seriousness they deserved, viewing them as mere childhood whims.
As she navigated her school years, Anjali embraced her identity in ways that were unconventional for a boy in her community. With long hair, kohl-lined eyes, and occasionally donning high heels, she pushed back against societal expectations, a defiance that went largely unnoticed by her headmistress, who attributed such behavior to youthful exploration. It was during her 10th grade that Anjali began to fully understand her identity as a woman, feeling increasingly drawn to expressions of femininity. This realization coincided with her first romantic relationship at the age of 15 with a boy from her neighborhood, a connection that sparked outrage among both families. The pressure and bullying she faced due to her gender identity led Anjali to make a momentous decision: she left home in search of acceptance and a new life in Chennai.
Upon her arrival in Chennai, Anjali found temporary refuge with a trans family who introduced her to a life of begging and dancing at social events. However, she quickly grew disillusioned with this lifestyle and returned home, only to confront the painful truth that her boyfriend had never truly loved her, but instead felt pity for her. Heartbroken, she attempted to take her own life by jumping into the sea, but fortunately, she was rescued. Undeterred, Anjali sought a new beginning in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, where she encountered Dr. Lakshmimammi, a supportive trans woman who guided her through the transition process. During this transformative period, Anjali juggled various jobs, from working in a call center to a beauty parlour, even resorting to begging to save money for her long-desired gender reassignment surgery.
At the age of 20, Anjali underwent the surgery that would redefine her existence, a journey of recovery that spanned nearly three years. With her new identity firmly established, she ventured into the world of beauty pageants and modelling, earning accolades like Miss Coimbatore and Miss Splendid India in 2015. Her television debut followed, but the industry was not without its challenges. While working on a Malayalam television series, she faced discrimination when the director discovered her transgender identity, leading to a loss of her role. However, a silver lining emerged when actor Mammootty, after watching her interview about the incident, offered her a part in the film “Peranbu.” In 2018, she made history as the first trans woman to play a lead role in a Tamil film, solidifying her place in the cinema landscape.
Anjali’s impact on the entertainment industry continued to grow as she became a wildcard contestant on “Bigg Boss Malayalam” in 2018. Her filmography expanded with notable appearances in “Ammu” (2022) and the upcoming “The Spoils” (2024). In a notable incident during the filming of “Peranbu,” she bravely reported an inappropriate question posed by actor Suraj Venjaramoodu regarding transgender experiences, which led to an apology from him after discussing the matter with Mammootty and the film’s director. Beyond her professional life, Anjali is a passionate animal lover, fitness enthusiast, and travel aficionado, frequently sharing her experiences and interests on social media. She embraces life’s pleasures with a balanced approach, occasionally enjoying a drink, cooking, and even indulging in photography. With a keen interest in wellness, she often meditates and maintains an active lifestyle in the gym. Her vibrant personality, marked by her love for travel and cooking, continues to inspire many, as she captures and shares her journey with the world. In recognition of her achievements, Anjali was awarded the UAE Golden Visa by the Dubai government in 2022, a testament to her resilience and determination.
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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.