Transwomen set to perform Tagore’s Chitrangada

Despite her law degree and the prospect of a bright career, she had to face tremendous criticism for her gender orientation. Her effeminate nature made her a butt of ridicule even in her known circle. A gender-reassignment surgery later, Megh Sayantan Ghosh is now a successful lawyer who is trying her best to bring to the fore the problems faced by transwomen.A dancer as well, she has brought together a host of transwomen who will, for the first time, perform a dance drama by Tagore. The dance drama, Chitrangada, will be staged at ICCR on July 8.
Talking about the initiative, Megh Sayantan told us, “Chitrangada has always remained a debatable subject that can be interpreted in many ways. Tagore had written about Chitrangada — manly in her appearance — who fell for Arjun. While in love with him, she wanted to discover her feminine side. A boon from Madan Dev helped her transform into a beautiful woman. Later, Arjun said he wanted to marry her the way she was.” Megh Sayantan, who has curated the show with danseuse Sanchita Bhattacharya, said the dance drama holds a lot of meaning in today’s time. “Transwomen are faced with a similar crisis. Many are shunned for what they are by men they love. In their heart of hearts, everyone craves for fulfilment, but that doesn’t happen. We have come up with a modern version of Chitrangada,” she said. Years of insult couldn’t dampen her spirits and Megh Sayantan is hopeful that there will be a change in the way society looks at the trans community. Megh Sayantan will present the Kurupa part of Chitrangada, who she has named Mahasweta. Sanchita will essay Surupa, reinterpreted as Aloklata. Arjun’s character will be played by a man, while 15 transwomen from Megh Sayantan’s dance institute will play the
other roles.
The dance drama, in many ways, is also a tribute to late filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh. “He came up with Chitrangada: The Crowning Wish in 2012 and left an impact on everyone,” added Megh Sayantan. And with their Chitrangada, they want to champion the cause further.