A film that breaks LGBT stereotypes

GURGAON: On the fringes of society and often exploited as sex workers, the plight of transgenders is highlighted in Rainbows Are Real (RAR), a film that will be screened at Epicentre on Tuesday. Directed by Ritesh Sharma, the Bangla-English-Hindi shot mostly in Kolkata and Delhi revolves around the lives of three individuals named Anu, Tracy and Paulli.
Back in December 2008, Sharma had a chance meeting with a transgender individual in New Delhi who opened up to him over a conversation.He began to research into the gay community and, in particular, the troubles faced by the sizeable third gender community. Sharma was also shocked to note the anger and disgust among people after the Delhi high court decriminalised homosexuality by declaring Section 377 of the IPC unconstitutional in July 2009. "I was confused how people living in the 21st century can be so narrow-minded," he said.
RAR is not just a story of the dark and difficult life of a transgender but also depicts their beautiful journey, replete with captivating psychedelic colours while showcasing many interviews with the common man, psychologists and activists, alongside real-life incidents of bigotry. The film forces one to ponder over how such flamboyant and benign individuals can be denied basic human rights in the world's largest democracy.
"The film is about their work, homes, difficulties, childhood, relationships, hobbies and more. Through this film, many stereotypes will be broken and barriers shattered. The perception of transgenders will change as their reality slowly unfurls," said Sharma.
Anu, who was Ajay, is a 23-year-old artist and dancer from Garia and among the most compassionate people Sharma said he's met: "Her motherly instincts and command over any situation left me in awe." Tracy, who was Saikat Sardar, is 22 and works at a call centre. Also from Garia, Tracy's willingness to learn, artistic talent and her undying hope that things would change for the community qualified her as another protagonist. Paulli, who was Somnath, is a 21-year-old sex worker and hails from a village in Jainagar, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Her lack of belief in things changing but hoping she would be free from prostitution someday provides another dimension to the film.
"All three look at life differently as they approach situations differently, facing many hardships," said Sharma, who spent 8-9 months with the transgender community without the camera to establish personal ties.