The Bar Dancer Hijra On The Run

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to safeguard the city
from terrorists
the bar dancers
were booted out
never to ever return
the bar dancer hijra on the run
her curse the ministers
life did upturn
26/11
while the city burnt
a lesson hardly learnt
he deserved what he earned
the hijra dancer spurned
a macabre conspiracy
of hate by those
who govern
sodomizing their lives
turn by turn
a deaf and mute society
unconcerned
case is adjourned


REKHA, 23, used to dance at Thane's Valentina Bar before the authorities closed down dance bars and put her out of business.

But a new Bollywood film has raised hopes for her and others from Mumbai's famous dance bars, of a possible career in cinema for which several have been cast.

In August, authorities of Maharashtra state, of which Mumbai is the capital, closed down the dance bars, saying they corrupt young men and breed crime and prostitution in India's financial and entertainment hub.

PROSTITUTION

After the ban, many dancers went away to other states to find work while many more reportedly became prostitutes and thousands of others were left jobless.

'The state's decision has hit us hard,' Rekha told the Indian Express. 'Even those of us who were not into prostitution earlier have got into it - we just don't have a choice.'

Rekha's take-home pay is now a mere 200 rupees ($7.40) a day - a far cry form the 2,000 to 5,000 rupees she used to earn as a bar dancer.

But as a first step into the magic world of cinema, she doesn't feel she's done too badly.

Dozens like her have found work in the film Deepa Ki Tarannum, or Deepa's Music, that tells the story of a bar dancer's brush with crime, money and misery.

'We decided to take in some 30 bar dancers because we thought they could best portray their lives,' said Mr Ranjeet Sharma, the film's producer.

The lead role in the film, scheduled for a May release, is being played by Preeti Jain, a Bollywood newcomer who hit the headlines last year for allegedly hiring a hitman to kill a filmmaker.

'I'm excited (about the role) and I find it challenging,' Preeti said. The male lead is played by Hyder Khan, the younger brother of Bollywood heartthrob Aamir Khan.

Bar dancers said they think the film could open a new employment avenue for them.

'Since the ban, bar dancers have looked at Bollywood for work as junior artists. Looks like that option is opening up,' said Ms Varsha Kale, spokesman of the Bar Girls' Association.

'More filmmakers are also hiring bar dancers for roles in their films. This is because bar dancers are ready performers.'

Mr Sharma, from 3's Company, told the Indian Express he's planning another film with former bar dancers getting parts to play.

'I just approached these girls who were in distress and thought it would be better to take them into my story rather than do any research,' he said.

'They'll be able to reflect their life better on celluloid than any actress.'

- (Reuters)


www.despardes.com/lifestyle/2006/20060112-bar-dancers.htm

dedicated to akbar simonese
monsoon lover aka sudip da