Pinki Pramanik looms large over the LGBT film festival

Despite, not being present physically, athlete Pinki Pramanik kept on whining at the inaugural day of DIALOGUES, the 6th annual Kolkata Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) film & video festival here on Friday evening.

Updated on: Nov 25, 2012, 11:24:53 IST

Hindustan Times | By Sanya Panwar, Kolkata

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Despite, not being present physically, athlete Pinki Pramanik kept on whining at the inaugural day of DIALOGUES, the 6th annual Kolkata Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) film & video festival here on Friday evening.

The ardour conveyed that, the day this society becomes au fait with the people categorised as number “6”, more than a million people belonging to the queer community, like Pinki, who are struggling for their real gender identity, would be relieved from being called a chhakka (the sixer) on the streets, in clubs and at homes.

“The most exciting part of cricket is hitting a six, everyone loves a sixer. No matter where we go, we always find a cheering audience. Once the world understands the significance of number 6, probably life can be different for people like Pinki,” Anindya Hajra of Pratyay Gender Trust (PGT), one of the organisers of the festival told a 300-plus audience that included Tollywood actress June Maliah, designer Nil of designer-duo Dev r Nil among others. Maliah said that it was high time we bridge the gap between the appreciative “sixer” in a cricketing term and a derogatory “sixer” in the queer term.

“Anyone from our family could be from this community. Once we understand that probably then we will realise Pinki’s struggle,” Maliah said.

Organised by PGT and Sappho for Equality (SFE) in collaboration with GoetheInstitute/Max Mueller Haven and title-sponsored by Berlin Film Festival, dialogues brings to audiences 42 LGBT themed films and documentaries from across the world, including India, Australia, Thailand, Germany, Israel and others.

“It was difficult to find films with LGBT themes and characters, when we started with the festival in 2007. But with so many bold and fascinating works, we are actually celebrating a festival this year,” Malobika of SFE said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sanya Panwar
With a keen eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, Sanya is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who has spent over a decade documenting the intersection of aesthetics and substance. Since stepping into the media world in 2012, she has cultivated a career defined by versatility, curiosity, and an unwavering passion for what makes life both beautiful and meaningful. Over the last many years, she has navigated the fast-paced realms of health, wellness, fitness and fashion while pivoting seamlessly into the nuances of decor and travel. Her work often explores the deeper layers of modern living, delving into art and decor trends that transform spaces, insightful perspectives on gender, parenting, and mental health, immersive travel narratives that capture the essence of a destination. A self-proclaimed aesthetics enthusiast, Sanya doesn't just report on trends — she analyses them. Whether she’s identifying the next shift in fitness or discovering a breakthrough in design, she uses her platform to spark meaningful conversations that resonate with a contemporary audience. Sanya is an alumna of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, where she honed the investigative rigour she brings to her lifestyle reporting today. When she isn't chasing deadlines or conducting interviews, Sanya practices what she preaches. You’ll likely find her sipping matcha, practicing yoga, or scouting the newest cafes. Above all, she finds her balance in nature — whether it's a quiet hike or a moment of reflection in the outdoors, she remains constantly inspired by the tranquillity of the natural world.Read More

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