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Photos: In Kolkata, male dancers grace roles traditionally played by women

The Male Dancers Association is a new addition to the vibrant performing arts scene in Kolkata. Comprising male dancers who assume the role of male as well as female characters, they performed at Gyan Mancha, on the first day of Navratri/Durga Puja.

Updated on: Sep 23, 2017 12:59 PM IST

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On the eve of Devi Paksha, to mark the beginning of Durga Puja, 160 members of the Male Dancers Association came together to perform nine avatars of Goddess Durga in ‘Mahishasura Mardini’ at the Gyan Mancha in Kolkata. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

Updated on Sep 23, 2017 12:59 PM

On the eve of Devi Paksha, to mark the beginning of Durga Puja, 160 members of the Male Dancers Association came together to perform nine avatars of Goddess Durga in ‘Mahishasura Mardini’ at the Gyan Mancha in Kolkata. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

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Although men did perform the roles of female characters in several Indian traditional styles, modern society has become increasingly closed to the idea of the fluidity of gender. Overcoming these obstacles, members across dance groups in Kolkata came together to form the Male Dancers Association in August. (Samir Jana / HT PHOTO)

Updated on Sep 23, 2017 12:59 PM

Although men did perform the roles of female characters in several Indian traditional styles, modern society has become increasingly closed to the idea of the fluidity of gender. Overcoming these obstacles, members across dance groups in Kolkata came together to form the Male Dancers Association in August. (Samir Jana / HT PHOTO)

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Backstage, the scene is busy as the dancers take turns in getting their costumes and makeup right before the recital. (Samir Jana / HT PHOTO)

Updated on Sep 23, 2017 12:59 PM

Backstage, the scene is busy as the dancers take turns in getting their costumes and makeup right before the recital. (Samir Jana / HT PHOTO)

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Arijit Banik (33), an employee at a technology consulting firm is seen at his house in Dum Dum. He performed as ‘Kali’ in the recital, ‘Mahishasura Mardini at the Gyan Mancha in Kolkata. (Samir Jana / HT PHOTO)

Updated on Sep 23, 2017 12:59 PM

Arijit Banik (33), an employee at a technology consulting firm is seen at his house in Dum Dum. He performed as ‘Kali’ in the recital, ‘Mahishasura Mardini at the Gyan Mancha in Kolkata. (Samir Jana / HT PHOTO)

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Appearing seamless as Goddess Kali, Banik has had his own share of obstacles performing as a male dancer. However, he’s part of the ‘Alimpan Performing Art Centre,’ where he also teaches classical and contemporary dance. (Samir Jana / HT PHOTO)

Updated on Sep 23, 2017 12:59 PM

Appearing seamless as Goddess Kali, Banik has had his own share of obstacles performing as a male dancer. However, he’s part of the ‘Alimpan Performing Art Centre,’ where he also teaches classical and contemporary dance. (Samir Jana / HT PHOTO)

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Another male dancer, Arpan Banik (32) is a professional dancer, who performed as ‘Gouri.’ Seen at his Beleghat house in Kolkata, Banik also paints and plays the tabla in his spare time (Samir Jana / HT PHOTO)

Updated on Sep 23, 2017 12:59 PM

Another male dancer, Arpan Banik (32) is a professional dancer, who performed as ‘Gouri.’ Seen at his Beleghat house in Kolkata, Banik also paints and plays the tabla in his spare time (Samir Jana / HT PHOTO)

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Bappa Chattopadhyay (39) performed as Goddess Durga. He teaches Kathakali and creative contemporary dance at the Ethnic Dance Academy in the city. He’s seen here at his home in Behela, Kolkata. . (Samir Jana / HT PHOTO)

Updated on Sep 23, 2017 12:59 PM

Bappa Chattopadhyay (39) performed as Goddess Durga. He teaches Kathakali and creative contemporary dance at the Ethnic Dance Academy in the city. He’s seen here at his home in Behela, Kolkata. . (Samir Jana / HT PHOTO)

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Bappa Chattopadhyay is seen as Goddess Durga in the recital, ‘Mahishasura Mardini’ at the Gyan Mancha in Kolkata. A 160 member troupe, newly formed in August, go by the name of ‘Male Dancers Association’ and have come together despite societal obstacles to portray male and female characters in various performances. (Samir Jana / HT PHOTO)

Updated on Sep 23, 2017 12:59 PM

Bappa Chattopadhyay is seen as Goddess Durga in the recital, ‘Mahishasura Mardini’ at the Gyan Mancha in Kolkata. A 160 member troupe, newly formed in August, go by the name of ‘Male Dancers Association’ and have come together despite societal obstacles to portray male and female characters in various performances. (Samir Jana / HT PHOTO)

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