NOT GIVING UP THEIR BOLLYWOOD DREAMS
Despite being ridiculed and ostracised, Delhi’s talented transgenders won’t give up hope
In hope of making it to Bollywood someday, members of Delhi’s transgender community, recently, came up with a show called Ticket to Bollywood Queens, in the Capital. Dressed like their favourite celebrities, the community staged a performance dedicated to their Bollywood idols. Organised by an NGO, SPACE and supported by Embassy of the Netherlands, the event was aimed to launch the project of skill development and school education for transgenders.
Priyanka, who portrayed Mumtaz, says, “I’m looking for an opportunity to join film industry. But I know, no matter how good we dance or act, people will hesitate to accept us.”
A fan of actor Madhuri Dixit Nene, Simmi can copy her dance step with an unmatched finesse. She says, “1...2...3...is one song I have been practising since my childhood. Today, I danced on the same beats and I really want to perform with her one day.” Alisha, who performed on Karisma Kapoor’s song Le gayi, Le gayi from Dil To Pagal Hai (1997) says despite proving their talent, the community still gets disrespect. “I have just stopped caring about people and believe how you see yourself is important than how others see you.”
To celebrate National Transgenders Day today, the NGO has planned to organise workshop with school principals to sensitise them towards transgender students.