‘This is just the start’: Shikhandi, Maharashtra’s first transgender Dhol Tasha Pathak, looks to make its mark

“None of us knew how to play the instruments nor did we have access to them,” founding member Pravin Sonawane told The Indian Express, ahead of the group’s debut with the Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganesh Mandal on Ganesh Chaturthi on Saturday.

Dhol Tasha, an instrumental art form integral to the Ganeshotsav celebrations in Pune, became a beacon of light for the group when they saw a gap in the art they wanted to fill. “We want the community to stand tall and take pride in what they do. This group is a passive source of income for many, but for many others, it is their identity,” Sonawane added.

Asked about why the group chose ‘Dhol Tasha’, Sonawane said that traditionally, the transwoman-dominant community has relied on dancing, begging, or ‘Basti Badhai’ (blessings to families on auspicious events) and sex work.

Teju, a transwoman and a member of the group, mentioned the importance of art and culture for the community. “Dancing, singing, performing…they have been given to us as our legacy. We all are natural artists,” Teju said.

Having started their training in late July, the group has been practising with the Nadbrahma Dhol Tasha Pathak under Atul Bhere’s mentorship and is looking forward to performing at the major processions of five prominent Ganpati pandals in Pune and the renowned Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganesh Mandal.

Asked about the support that the group has been receiving, Teju said, “People have been appreciating our efforts as they are seeing something different. They didn’t know who we were and hence, did not try to understand our hardships. They only saw us begging at the signal or standing around the corners at night but now they see us working hard. They appreciate our work and this gives us hope.”

Speaking on the bonding within the group, Sonawane said, “Every member has been working relentlessly. People travel two hours and stay back for 3-4 hours of practice daily to build morale.”

Only four members of the group have a fixed salary. Three members are unemployed and work on freelancing projects while the rest earn their livelihood by engaging in daily wage tasks. Highlighting the challenges of balancing the responsibilities of being a Dhol Tasha Pathak member with holding a job and managing finances, Sonawane said, “There have been times when our members have not had money to travel to Market Yard and the group has pitched in. Many of our members still work on meagre salaries and it becomes a challenge to commit to such participation daily.”

However, despite the hurdles, the group is hopeful about the future. “This is just the start, we want to grow. We have a lot to offer and a lot to showcase,” Manasvi, a member of the group, said.