KOCHI: Social media has made transgender Sajna Shaji, who was selling biryani on the street, a hotel owner in the new year. Her eatery was inaugurated by actor Jayasurya on January 2. Sajna says everything feels like a dream. Sajna is happy to have regained her life from a position when she felt that everything could be going out of hand. She started the biryani business during the lockdown. Then there was a fight regarding this, followed by a Facebook live session and suicide attempt. Now, the business at 'Sajna's Kitchen', which started at Malikampedika on the Aluva-Paravoor road, is booming. It can seat up to 48 people at a time. People can opt between different items, rice porridge or al faham, the range is amazing. There are eight employees at the eatery. The restaurant is open from 7 am to 11 pm. Jayasurya gave Rs 2.5 lakh to start this hotel. The shop's board was done by Youth Congress activists. Annapurna Charitable Society of Kannur donated vessels to the hotel. Sajna says that her mother, who was alienated from the trans community, is now with her.

Social media and controversy

During the lockdown, Sajna had posted on social media that some people were trying to stop her biryani business at Thripunithura Irumpanam. Subsequently, a number of people expressed their support and the Minister of Health, KK Shailaja, actor Jayasurya and others offered to help. But then another transwoman came on the scene accusing Sajna of cheating. They also released a voice message in which Sajna speaks. Sajna then tried to commit suicide by taking an overdose of pills.

Can't avail loans

The biryani business was started with money raised for gender reassignment surgery. At present, Sajna has a debt of about seven lakh rupees. She had applied in a Rs 10 lakh scheme to start a business for transgender people. But officials say the loan could not be disbursed because of the controversy. The loan can help in taking the business forward, says Sajna.