As the debate for the abolition of Section 377 rages on, the newly formed 6 Pack band , is doing its bit for the transgender community. Constituting Bhavika Patil, Chandni Suvarnakar, Fida Khan, Komal Jagtap, Asha Jagtap and Ravina Jagtap, the band members know how it feels to be a member of the LGBT community. And they are not only thrilled but also feel a sense of responsibility for becoming what is being labelled as India’s “first transgender band”.
After launching its first single in the first week of January, the second on January 26, the band is now all set to release its third one this Saturday. Y–Films, the youth wing of YRF, joined hands with Shamir Tandon, curator of the band, to give the LGBT community a voice.
However, selecting members of the band was not an easy exercise. Shamir explains, “We had no clue whether they read newspapers, watched television or were active on social media at all. Even if we were to advertise, we were not sure which medium would work best for us. We only see them on traffic lights or in local trains asking for money. So we organically hunted for them. The next challenge was winning their faith and trust. Many of them were abandoned by their parents in childhood, so they had lost all faith in people. They suspect everyone who tries to do something for them and it is very natural, considering the treatment they get everyday.”
Sharing the reason behind choosing Pharrell William’s song Happy for the cover of first single Hum Hai Happy , Shamir says, “Despite getting humiliated everyday by everyone, these people are always smiling. They never complain. We shun them at the traffic signals, make fun of them, use insensitive words chakha . Despite all this, they keep smiling and laughing; hence the theme is happiness. The song is a portrayal of their lives. The other reason we chose this song was the fact that it is a global hit and the transgender issue is not confined to India, it is a global issue. So we did a Hinglish song aiming to transcend all boundaries and making sure that the band reaches people across the globe.”
An elating experience it was for Bhawika Patil to come to know that the band was now within striking distance. “I felt proud when I realised that we are not just any other band but are going to make history by becoming India’s first transgender band. All those who will come after us will look up to us. This opportunity has also brought along great responsibilities. We have to do a lot for our community and make the best of this platform. We would like to reach out to everyone through our voice,” says Bhawika.
Describing the experience of being associated with Sonu Nigam, Shamir Tandon and Anushka Sharma as great, Bhawika says, “I could have never dreamt of it. Though I have been a part of the television and film industry for almost four years now and have worked with celebrities like Vidya Balan in Bobby Jasoos , in daily soaps like Savdhaan Ind ia, Balika Vadhu , Bhanwar , and a few more, but they were all minor roles. It feels great to come on the centre stage for the first time”
Komal Jagtap, another singer from the band, says, “People look at us in a different way now. They have started respecting us. The same people, who used to call us names while walking on the road, now recognise us as 6 Pack band members and appreciate our efforts. Seeing us on screen, people from our own community have also started thinking differently. Earlier they wanted to stick to begging, but now they too want to better their lives. The talented ones want to come out and make the best of their skills if given a chance.”
