Wednesday 29 February 2012

The Oscars

Sorry about the break of two days. So,yeah I got a breather from projects and will be writing about the recently concluded Oscars.

They are the most respected awards in Hollywood , and bring forward a lot of excitement. For those who noticed, the best actor award was given before the best actress award. This was followed by the best film award.

Isn't that a reflection of the society they live in? Indian actors are given so much more importance than actresses. Maybe, this is changing with the emergence of women- centric films like Fashion, The dirty business, Heroine etc.  Till then, we have to bear with best actor awards before best film. 

Saturday 25 February 2012

Tracking 'their' journey

All of us have seen them in trains, at traffic signals, etc. begging, blessing, asking, even bothering people for a rupee or two. Don't you think they should also have the same rights as we do?This is because equality is needed.What right do we have to discriminate? They should also have a chance to express. Be human. That's all I ask of you.  
I am talking about trans-genders. No need to be hush - hush. It isn't a taboo word. It is present in our scriptures. Aren't they holy and pious? Then, so are transgenders. They bless you. But do you care?
 Today, I am going to track the trans-gender's journey in popular media, other countries, even other states, and even in our own beloved country, in mythology. Consider this:
1. In Shyam Benegal's critically acclaimed film, 'Welcome to Sajjanpur', we all have seen how a trans-gender comes to power. It is time we realise their political rights and support them. Otherwise, the world's largest democracy wouldn't be a democracy in the true sense of the word. 
The fact that we have such filmmakers in India is phenomenally great, isn't it?
2. In Bangkok, transgenders participate and perform in shows and concerts. They also work as serving staff in hotels. Don't you wish we had more respect and awareness like this in India?
The media should show how there is a change of attitude towards transgenders and the treatment meted out to them. They are just like all of us, like you and me, a part of society. So why cant we accept them? They have made their presence felt in our culture right from the times of the Mahabharat and the Mughals. So what problem do today's people have? Why are they not comfortable co-existing with the transgenders?
3. In the Mahabharata, as the result of a curse he was compelled to honor, the hero Arjuna takes a "vow of eunuchism," that is, to live as the third sex for a year, Vrihannala by name.

Another important character, Shikhandi, is born female, but raised as a boy. Shikhandi becomes a skilled and famous warrior, playing a pivotal role in the war by helping kill Bhishma. 
4. A recent example of the portrayal of transgenders in popular cinema is Agneepath.
Most of you have seen Agneepath. But have most of you voted? No. Why? 
Realise how fortunate you are that you get to vote! Do not show apathy towards anyone! Do you realise how important a vote is for our democracy? अरे तुम क्या जानो एक मत की कीमत ?
5. India gives each citizen three basic political rights. They are as follows:
i) Each citizen is entitled to exercise the universal adult franchise that is vote if s/he is above 18 years of age. There can be no discrimination on the basis of gender, caste , creed, region etc.
Exactly my point!
ii) Each citizen can participate in the working of his democracy. He can raise a voice to change the system. One has the right to get elected in elections, stand as an individual party candidate. Consider this: In fact in Madhya Pradesh, there is a trans-gender minister. Shouldn't Maharashtra take inspiration from  M.P and try to do the same. After all, imitation is the biggest form of appreciation, not flattery.
iii) Each citizen has the right to criticise the government. Exactly what I am doing.
Did you know this ? or the facts stated below?
 That India gets its first trans-gender pastor! 
Pak eunuchs get new identity.
Even if you knew, do you care? Show me if you do.



street smart


Post no.2

So, I thought interacting with masses was easy. I was wrong. A street play enlightened me.

A street play by my team Taali Bajao at Churchgate station. Practices followed practices. Finally, we were ready  to perform. Then, we began looking for a spot to 'just do it'. Our search ended when we saw the perfect corner, a spot where we wouldn't obstruct traffic and, where we found Dabbawalas resting after a tiring day. Dabbawalas = spirit of Mumbai and good luck charm!

Our play began with the loud beats of the drum to attract the oh-so- busy passerby's concentration. It was rather difficult to stop potential passengers from boarding their trains and catching their short term attention spans. But, we managed to grab their minds with engaging dialogues.  Viewers watched spellbound as we enacted out our scenes with passion and drama. Drawing towards a close, we ended with a song.

The spectators greeted us with a loud round of applause. I bet all of us had goosebumps at that time. The street play's ultimate moment was when our petition was signed  with great enthusiasm and zeal.

You had to be there to see it and feel it. But then, what I am for? Writing post no. 2! Lol.

Friday 24 February 2012

my first blog post!

post number 1

Hi, so this is my first blog and I am obviously excited.
           As they say, desperate times call for desperate measures.
              Here goes!

Abraham Lincoln said famously, "Democracy is  a government for the people, by the people and of the people." Did he know that the vox pop or masses were going to be called ppl or peeps  in some time?
Jokes apart, democracy has now become "far the people, bye the people and off the people."
The poor voting in Maharashtra reflects that. But consider this,            

did you know that transgenders in Maharashtra didn't have voting rights? And, we thought we lived in a democracy. 
            
Doesn't the Indian constitution guarantee universal adult franchise without discrimination of gender, caste, class, region etc.? Then why this injustice?They have a considerable population in Maharashtra. They do have voting rights in Tamil Nadu and abroad.

If you did not know this and want to know more, support our movement called "Taali Bajao", an initiative for voting rights for transgenders in Maharashtra. Like us on face-book, follow us on twitter, extend you support! The links are http://www.facebook.com/#!/taalibajao and https://twitter.com/#!/taalibajao . Thanks peeps!