Udupi: For the first time in Rangabhoomi Theatre, a transgender from Udupi will play a prominent role. Kajal, who hails from Mandya, was born a male but gradually she realised she was more a female. At the age of 12, she had a sex-change operation. Now, Kajal is all set to climb the stage in the second week of December in a play called ‘I C U, Noduve Ninna’.
Director and additional secretary of Rangabhoomi Ravi Raj said, “The play talks about things which happen when an accident takes place. Most people escape from the spot, some view the scene in detachment and the rest shoot a video to upload it on social media. Though people speak highly about humanism, when they should show it the most, they don’t. In this play, an old man is an accident victim and a transgender helps him and admits him to a hospital. She tries to contact his family and she realizes he does not have anyone to take care of him and therefore adopts him.”
He added, “Through the play, we wanted to highlight that a transgender understands her responsibility towards the society better than a common man. Also, in real life, we want them to come into the mainstream. Hence, instead of casting a male actor dressing like a female, we considered talented transgenders.”
Kajal said, “People in Udupi have always supported me a lot. I consider my entry to Rangabhoomi a chance given by God to prove myself. I think I’m lucky. Many of us don’t get a chance. Rangabhoomi as an organization has been creating great talent for the past 55 years. I’m new to theatre and Ravi Raj gave me training. I’m thankful to Manjunath Kamath of MGM College for giving me my identity as a reputed person in the society. He gives us advice and helps us educate ourselves. He has instilled confidence in our community, so that we can stand in front of a crowd and speak for our rights.”
She trained as a video jockey at Spandana Channel and presented a few segments on Saranga Channel. “Abhishek, in-charge of the radio channel, offered me a chance to host shows twice a week. I’ve completed my PUC and want to complete my degree and get a good job. Udupi Congress Mahila Morch and Roshini Nilaya Mangaluru have recognized my talent and felicitated me,” she said.
“We practise at Kadiyali Kamalabai School every day. I’m happy and proud to be part of Rangabhoomi. I’d like my life to be an inspiration to all our people and want them to get chance to live a better life,” she added.