BENGALURU: The concluding day of the Bangalore Queer Film Festival (BQFF) ended with a bang. Performances by many queer dance groups closed the evening.
The second last dance was by the six-member Pink Divas, who danced in skimpy and tight-fitting clothes, to a cheering audience of 1,500 in Alliance Francaise auditorium.
With their pelvic thrusts and daring dance moves, they grinded to Ghani Bhawri and Banno from Tanu Weds Manu, Kannada song Darling among other item numbers, breaking gender barriers and channelising the theme of sexual exploration showcased by all the movies at the festival.
The group goes by stage names chosen according to their favourite sweets.
Sunny Leone’s Aao Raja brought out the best in Rasgula Ragini. “I enjoyed performing the backward hip movement. I found the complicated lotus formation with the six of us in the song exciting,” he shares.
Pink Divas was formed in 2011. The group’s first show was at the diversity fair, which raises funds for the Queer Pride March activities. Kareem, a founding member, is currently in the Middle East. The other oldest members are Harsh (Chum Chum Chandini) and Varun (Basumji Bijli). New additions were made later.
Since they all have conventional day jobs in auditing, law, finance and consulting, finding a time to practise was a challenge.
“Moreover, we all have strong opinions, so arriving at a consensus is fun,” says Rasgula Ragini. When it comes to costumes, the group usually recycle and exchange clothes worn during previous performances, mainly due to lack of funds. “We exchange each other’s shorts, borrow from girl friends and do our own little renovations,” says Jalebi Jamun.
He also says activism was not the intention; it just manifested from their interest. “I have a love for dancing that I explore throughout the year,” he explains. His finds the liberating performances with the group just as ‘normal’ as his day job with Myntra.
“I have a regular life with straight people, but the so called transition is also normal,” he says.
Feminism is a badge the members of the troupe are proud to wear as they believe it is the duty of men to stand up for the equal rights of women. “Wearing skimpy clothes is a statement against slut-shaming and pushing the envelope. Men can wear these costumes too and not shy away,” says Varun.
This is who they are inside and out, affirms Rasgula Ragini, keeping his identity secret.
“Every classical dance is feminine and masculine. It’s not just women who get to enjoy their booty. Men have a feminine side as well.”