Yash Raj Films introduce India's first transgender fusion band

Saj rahi gali meri maa sunehri gote mein…

Remember the above super hit song from ace comedian Mehmood’s hit film KUNWARA BAAP (1975) that featured for the first time original transgender community members singing the song alongside the legendary singer Mohd. Rafi. 

After 40 years once again a film production house has taken the initiative to give a larger platform to the transgender community, popularly known as Hijra in India, and promote their singing talent.

It is a known fact that the transgender community is blessed with the art of singing and makes a living by singing since the past many centuries in India. However it is a tragedy they have always been an ignored community and looked down upon by the society. 

However Y-Films, the youth wing of Yash Raj Films has broken the chains of the disparity and to give a boost to the singing genius of transgender community they have launched a new fusion band called '6 pack' which is India's first transgender band. The band has six musicians from the transgender community.

Curated by composer Shameer Tandon, the band has made its debut with the song Hum hain happy… along with its music video. It was launched with much fanfare by eminent singer Sonu Nigam.

The brainchild behind the initiative is Ashish Patil, the head of Y-Films. Briefing media about the innovative initiative he said, “We believe that music has no caste, creed, religion, economic status and gender and despite all our diversity, it is only music that unites us.” 

The music video is introduced by none other but the popular actress Anushka Sharma, who believes that all living being are same and must be treated with the same respect and dignity. 

Applauding the Yash Raj films initiative she said, “Music is the best way to connect people and diffuse disparity because when words fail, music speaks.”

Why is Shah Rukh Khan’s FAN his career’s toughest performance?

Shah Rukh Khan in a recent interview has acknowledged that his role in his upcoming film FAN is the most challenging role of his career because for the first time in his career he would be playing a double role with a difference! 

Explaining why FAN is a different film from other run of mill double role films, SRK says, “Usually we have seen double role of father and son in Bollywood like Amitabh Bachchan in AAKHREE RAASTA or Dilip Kumar playing a triple role in BAIRAAG, where the father is shown above 60 years with grey hairs and the son in the 30s. Even I played a similar role in VEER ZAARA. However till date no movie has ever attempted a double role where the same actor plays dual role in the age gap of 25 and 45.”

He adds, “In FAN director Maneesh Sharma has experimented with this type of a unique double role where the age difference of dual role is not depicted by grey hairs instead by portraying disparity between two classes of the characters.”

He informs, “I play a 45 year old superstar Aryan Khanna representing the rich and famous class of the society. Simultaneously I also portray the role of a 25 year old Gaurav, who is my passionate fan, representing the middle class of the society. Thus bringing out the stark contrast between the two characters and their class has been very challenging and satisfying.” 

Shah Rukh Khan admits, “Of course, the most difficult part to play was that of Gavrav and more importantly to have a different look. I must confess playing Gavrav has been the most demanding roles of my career.”

“And half the credit for my success, I think should go to my make-up artist, Greg Cannom, who has definitely given me a never-seen before look,” quips SRK. 

It may be noted Greg Cannom is a three times Oscar winner make-up artist. He has won the Oscar for THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON (2008), MRS DOUBTFIRE (1993) and DRACULA (1992). In addition he had been nominated nine times for the Oscars!