(The transgenders who have been interviewed have identified themselves as females and are, hence, addressed accordingly)
While the unveiling of the transgender policy in Kerala was said to be a boon to their communities across the state, some members still believe that there is a lot to be done with regard to their welfare.
Also read: EXCLUSIVE: Transgender G-Taxi cabs to run on Kochi roads by May
Onmanorama throws light upon the various aspects of the professional and personal lives of three prominent transgenders in the state.
All of them have a colourful thing in common - they are all make-up artists. Meet Jaanmoni Das, Avinash Chetia and Renju Renjimar. While they enjoy the world of stardom and glamour, they also cherish the simple life they have been accustomed to since childhood.
Nothing beats a simple life
Jaanmoni Das, who has worked with Manju Warrier, Amala Paul, and many other celebrities of the Malayalam movie industry says that while she loves to live in her luxurious three bedroom apartment in Marine Drive, Kochi she often looks forward to spending time at a leased house with her 'family' in Fort Kochi.
Read more about Jaanmoni Das's family in Kochi in 'Make-up' your minds, meet Jaanmoni Das
Renju, the make-up artist who rose to fame post the wedding of Ravi Pillai's daughter, Arathi, says that she is a capable of adapting to any situation. “I am as content sleeping on the floors of a house than on the bed of a five-star hotel room. I have travelled in KSRTC bus, trains as well as on some of the best airlines. I grew up in a joint family as well,” Renju explains.
Face-to-face with competition
The competition in the make-up industry, especially of the cinematic arena is intense. Renju says, “The levels of competition are high. This is often seen in terms of the service charges of make-up artists. Sometimes, this perception does not work in our favour. Post Arathi's wedding, many believed that I would only work with those who were able to pay me a six-figured sum. A few others considered me to be arrogant and snobbish. These perceptions did hurt my feelings for, that is not who I am. To me, no make-up artiste is too great or too bad. All of them are gifted and I respect that,” said Renju.
However, Avinash, who is currently working for a film directed by Siddique Lal, says that she is not bothered about the levels of competition.
Transgender – their perceptions
Transgenders have made their mark in the make-up industry. While Jaanmoni Das, Avinash Chetia and Renju are truly blessed to have attained such a status in the field, there are many talented people who go unnoticed. “I have seen many transgenders who are fantastic make-up artists. Their work is perfect. They are true to their profession. But, they are not given as many opportunities. Then again, despite all our achievements, established make-up artistes like ourselves also face tough times. This is primarily because some people are comfortable working with us while some others still have their reservations. But, all in all, some of us are fortunate to live the life that we do,” says Renju.
Avinash also elaborates on the struggles of transgenders across the country:
The solution according to such issues, according to Renju, is for the community to help each other. She firmly believes that when transgenders carry themselves with dignity, the world will learn to treat them with respect. “I was given an opportunity to share the dais with the Chief Minister of Kerala during an important function. In short, the times have changed and the people are beginning to accept us. But we must carry ourselves with class. We must help each other. At the moment, I am training a few transgenders to become professional make-up artists. I am quite confident about the work they do,” explains Renju. Like Renju, Avinash and a few others also train transgenders to become experts in the field make-up. This, according to them does boost their morale.
A family that cares and never leaves you alone
Jaamoni, Avinash and Renju owe their success to their family and friends. While Jaanmoni and Avinash hail from Guwahati, Assam, Renju hails from Kollam, Kerala. Jaanmoni says that her family has been very supportive of her choices – be it professional or personal. She also says that her family in Kochi has made her a better professional.
Avinash, who has been part of the industry for over 12 years, says that her parents and her siblings have showered him with a lot of love. It was Avinash's parents who had spotted the artiste in her and had encouraged her to follow her dream to become a creative person. Today, a passionate make-up artist, she says she would have been 'nothing' without their blessings.
At Kochi, she is surrounded by her friends who have been with her through thick and thin. “Everybody needs someone to be by them. Else, it gets lonely and sad. That is why family is important,” explains Avinash.
Renju, who is the breadwinner of her family says, “I come from a very humble background. I have an elder brother and an elder sister. I had conducted the wedding ceremonies for their children. I am not selfish. Everything I do, is for my family. Even as a child, I used to be the make-up artiste for my cousins each time we showcased a play at our ancestral home. My parents were very supportive. I enjoyed studying and aspired to be a lawyer. But now, after having been part of the industry for over 18 years, I would like to be a make-up artiste till the day I die.”
Motherhood
“I am a woman” is what all of them have stated. When asked if motherhood is on their 'check-list,' Jaanmoni says, "I want to become a mother and my family knows it."
Renju too expresses a desire to become a mother. “It is only when a woman becomes a mother does she become complete. To my clients, I am Amma(mother). I call those women my daughters because that is how I treat them. I care for them like they were my own,” she says.
Avinash, however, says that she doesn't think she is ready for it.