Here’s how the makers of #Mandi zeroed in on Ivanka Das for the project

MUMBAI: TellyChakkar exclusively reported that Prime Flix's upcoming a web-series #Mandi (earlier titled Brothel) will feature Sarabjit fame Trishaan Singh Maini, Gandi Baat actress Pallavi Mukherjee, and Garima Maurya.

Transwoman Ivanka Das, who works as a dance choreographer and a model and was last seen in Dance Deewane will be making her debut with #Mandi. She will be seen playing the role of a brothel owner in the series.

The series is produced by Mohini Shabade, Ashu Dhaliwal, and Akshy Mishra under their banner Mighty Grace Media. It was Akshy's idea to cast Ivanka. In fact he was the one who convinced her to do the series.

'We could have taken any male actor from the industry, cross-dressed him, and made him act like a transwoman. But after reading the script, I as an actor felt that it would not do justice to the character. I discussed the same with Ashu ji and Mohini ji, and they too liked the idea of casting a real transgender for #Mandi,' says Akshy.

When quizzed why they finalized Ivanka, Akshy said, 'I know Ivanka since my theater days. The role of brothel owner in our series demanded a very strong character with a powerful aura, and she perfectly fits the bill. When I approached her, she also liked the idea and gave the green signal.'

Here’s wishing Ivanka and the producers all the best for the project.