Beyond boundaries
Like most people, Tanvi Talwar believed that ‘hijras’ are scary. She never imagined that she could be friends with anyone from the hijra community. Until, she met Sneha.
On the last day of the fourth Bangalore Queer Film Fest at the Alliance Francaise, Tanvi Talwar, director of ‘Between The Two’ spoke to Deccan Herald about sexuality and its acceptance in society. The film, shot in Bangalore and which brings to the fore a representative from the hijra community in the City, was among the 59 films screened at the fest.
The director met Sneha at an NGO and realised that though she was called a ‘hijra’, Sneha was more feminine than her in mannerisms and grooming. In the 19-minute film featuring the director along with members of the hijra community in Bangalore, the film unravels the sexuality on both sides.
Positive look
Talwar has a lot of good things to say about hijras in Bangalore. She feels that the community in Bangalore is the most sensitive and approachable compared to all other places in India. The general perception is that “they are in-your-face loud.” It is quite the contrary, she points out. The LGBT community has been getting many tall promises by politicians about opening separate schools for them and providing job opportunities.
However, not much has materialised till now, Talwar says. Getting an ID proof such as the voters’ ID card and PAN card is always a tussle for members of the community and more so, in case of name change after transformation of gender.
Elitist approach
The director also fears an elitist approach to discussions about the LGBT issue. The city could do better by including hijras and people from the lower rung in discussion related to sexuality, says Talwar.
When it comes to film fest for the ‘queer’ and other related events, she aims to create a larger space where people from strata of the society can walk in without the fear of being cornered.
Tanvi Talwar is presently an assistant designer in Shrishti School of Art Design and Technology. She also works with the Mallya Aditi International School. Her film can be accessed on http:/betweenthetwoafilm.wordpress.com
Source – Deccan Herald
