Music beyond gender

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Transgenders in India have a ready song on their lips. Traditionally, their music is intrinsic to many a function. But never have they received an appreciative ear or the respect accorded to talented musicians.

A first-of-its-kind music album, Songs of the Caravan, sung by transgenders, is now in the making. And it aims to showcase their talent and passion for music. Set for an August release, it has nine songs in various regional languages of India.
The project is a brainchild of Anubhav Gupta, 30. He hopes to break the stereotype associated with the transgender community that’s living on the margins.
At a family function Anubhav watched a group of transgenders sing and dance and the conversation with the group afterwards sparked an idea. “I always thought that they just know a few songs, which had been passed down generations. But I was surprised to know that many of them had a formal training in music and even held degrees. And they make a living out of music,” he says.
Anubhav then met the younger lot, who, he found, are interested in learning music but face a lot of discrimination — like Akkai Padamashaili from Karnataka, who was thrown out of the classroom after students protested against his presence. Another participant, Rani from Delhi, was simply disowned by his family.
Anubhav founded the Jeevika Trust to highlight the plight of the likes of Akkai and Rani. “The idea is to promote them as artists and give them a space in a non-judgmental way. We believe music has no gender,” he says.
Also, Kanta Leisangthem, a participant from Manipur, lives by her guru’s wisdom. “Music is not about gender or male or female voice, but about raga,” she recalls.
Kanta, who holds a two-year diploma in Hindustani Classical music says, “Being a transgender, I fought a lot of barriers and discrimination. There was no platform for transgenders in Manipur to come forward and express themselves. In many concerts and music shows, transgender singers were not even allowed,” she says.
Anubhav shares that growing up as a transgender wasn’t easy for Kanta as she was rejected both by family and friends but she was determined to not let go of what she aspired for. “After completing formal training in music, she started singing on small platforms. However, the most significant break came when at the annual Shumang Leela competition she was adjudged the winner for four consecutive years, from 2003 to 2007,” he says.
For this album, Kanta will sing a love song Nushi Nushi. “I chose this song since the theme of love helps my community express their artistic skills,” she says.
For this initiative, the organisation has roped in 20 grassroot NGOs working for the cause across the country.