In search for India's "Super Queen"

by dhanushag   |  19. January 2010

http://mybangalore.com/article/0110/in-search-for-indias-super-queen.html

Standing tall, in a brown shalwar khameez, with a gorgeous mane of hair that will be the envy of every woman, Chandini walked proudly into the audition room to introduce herself. "Hi, my name is Chandini. I am a hijra. I do not like Western outfits, I prefer saris and Indian clothes, I have made a documentary film based on the lives of the members of my community, and I have also have an adopted child." Chandini was not the only individual who came out of the closet yesterday. It was a window of opportunity for all the participants, some of whom, included professionals like software engineers, entrepreneurs and lawyers. The contestants were judged on the basis of appearance, looks, personality, social standing, and question and answers. It was judged by Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, Akkai, the representative from Sangama, an NGO that helps members of the transgender community and Joshua Muyawi, who works with Time Out Magazine. The final winners of this event will participate in the grand finale.