Sandhya C D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 20: She is hesitant to speak about her dreams. "I would prefer to achieve them first and then speak about them," she laughs. For over 15 years, Kajal, a member of the transgender community, harbored a dream of becoming a radio jockey. November 21 will mark a major milestone in her life with 'Shubamangala', a radio show she is anchoring for community radio Sarang, going on air.
In an exclusive interview with Daijiworld, Kajal reveals her love for the people of coastal Karnataka and is thankful that they did not shun her for being a transgender.
Kajal, now 28, first set foot in Mangaluru as part of a performer's troupe when she was around 15. "People showered me with so much of love and respect that I decided to make the coastal belt my permanent abode," she says.
Originally hailing from Mandya, Kajal settled in a rented place in Bramhavar in Udupi district nine years ago. Prior to that, she had worked in Mumbai.
She credits MGM College lecturer Manjunath Kamath in helping her to come into the mainstream. "Everything started when the film 'Naanu Avanalla Avalu' released. I was working with Ashreya Samudaaya Sangatanay, an NGO that works for the transgender community and was disappointed to know that the film won't be released in Udupi. A discussion started in a WhatsApp group and it was decided to arrange screening of the film in Udupi and Manjunath Kamath played a huge role in that. However, midway of the screening I was depressed as the film beautifully depicted the harsh realities transgenders face. Kamath who understood my distress arranged counseling sessions. It was here, I revealed that I dreamt of being a radio jockey," says Kajal.
Manjunath put Kajal in touch with Avinash Kamath who helped her get a two month internship in a private TV channel, where she was trained to compere programmes. Manjunath also arranged English classes for Kajal.
Raviraj from Rangaboomi who came to know about Kajal cast her as a lead in the play 'ICU Noduve Ninna'. In one of the programmes, Kajal came in touch with Abhishek from community radio Sarang who offered her a show. "I was ecstatic. My dream had come true," she says. Next, the distinction holder in pre-university aspires to complete her graduation in BA.
On her background
"People suffering with gender issues will know the same at a very young age. I always knew I had female qualities in me, and was not shy to accept it," she says.
"One cannot demand respect. They need to earn it. I live in a respected neighbourhood and work for my livelihood. Not once have I blamed my circumstances and taken shortcuts. As I live respectfully, people too respect me," she says.
She only asks the society to give people of transgender community a chance. Don’t look upon us differently. Accept us as a part of the society. Government too should help people from the community with more job opportunities, she stresses.
Kajal will discuss important issues that affect the community in her show ‘Shubhamangala’ which will be aired on radio Sarang (107.8 FM) every Tuesday between 5 pm to 6 pm. In the show, she will introduce herself as Kajal Bramhavar, an ode to people who gave her love, respect and an opportunity in mainstream devoid of prejudices.