On the reality show Rise and Fall, Anaya Bangar, a transgender cricketer, shared her plans for surrogacy following her gender transition. In a conversation with fellow contestant Aarush Bhola, Anaya revealed that she had her sperm frozen before undergoing hormone therapy.
Bangar stated that she had two options: adoption or sperm freezing before hormone treatment. She chose the latter to pursue motherhood through surrogacy, as she cannot conceive naturally. This decision highlights the considerations transgender individuals face regarding fertility during their transition. By freezing her sperm, Anaya ensured she could still pursue her dream of parenthood.
Anaya's openness about her journey and family aspirations has been lauded as an inspiring act of resilience and authenticity. By sharing her story on national television, she is raising awareness about the choices and challenges faced by transgender people.
Anaya Bangar is the daughter of Sanjay Bangar, a former Indian national cricket team member. The 23-year-old currently resides in Manchester, UK, but is originally from Mumbai, Maharashtra. In 2024, she moved to the UK to undergo gender reassignment surgery and hormone replacement therapy.
In addition to her plans for surrogacy, Anaya has also spoken about the challenges she has faced from her parents. She revealed that her parents have struggled to accept her transition. She shared that while her father provided for her basic needs and cricket infrastructure, he has not been as supportive of her transition.
Anaya's participation in Rise and Fall has brought her personal life into the spotlight. She has become an advocate for transgender inclusion and is working to dismantle stereotypes. The reality show streams on Amazon MX Player and Sony Entertainment Television.
In a podcast interview, Anaya discussed her transition, experiences in cricket, and future goals. She also shared her perspectives on societal reactions, men's behavior, and the importance of counseling and therapy. Anaya also revealed that she experienced a catfishing incident involving a "very famous" cricketer after coming out as a transwoman. She also spoke about the high cost of her transition surgery.