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REKHA, 23, used to dance at Thane's Valentina Bar before the
authorities closed down dance bars and put her out of business.
But a new Bollywood film has raised hopes for her and others from
Mumbai's famous dance bars, of a possible career in cinema for which
several have been cast.
In August, authorities of Maharashtra state, of which Mumbai is
the capital, closed down the dance bars, saying they corrupt young
men and breed crime and prostitution in India's financial and
entertainment hub.
PROSTITUTION
After the ban, many dancers went away to other states to find
work while many more reportedly became prostitutes and thousands of
others were left jobless.
'The state's decision has hit us hard,' Rekha told the Indian
Express. 'Even those of us who were not into prostitution earlier
have got into it - we just don't have a choice.'
Rekha's take-home pay is now a mere 200 rupees ($7.40) a day - a
far cry form the 2,000 to 5,000 rupees she used to earn as a bar
dancer.
But as a first step into the magic world of cinema, she doesn't
feel she's done too badly.
Dozens like her have found work in the film Deepa Ki Tarannum, or
Deepa's Music, that tells the story of a bar dancer's brush with
crime, money and misery.
'We decided to take in some 30 bar dancers because we thought
they could best portray their lives,' said Mr Ranjeet Sharma, the
film's producer.
The lead role in the film, scheduled for a May release, is being
played by Preeti Jain, a Bollywood newcomer who hit the headlines
last year for allegedly hiring a hitman to kill a filmmaker.
'I'm excited (about the role) and I find it challenging,' Preeti
said. The male lead is played by Hyder Khan, the younger brother of
Bollywood heartthrob Aamir Khan.
Bar dancers said they think the film could open a new employment
avenue for them.
'Since the ban, bar dancers have looked at Bollywood for work as
junior artists. Looks like that option is opening up,' said Ms
Varsha Kale, spokesman of the Bar Girls' Association.
'More filmmakers are also hiring bar dancers for roles in their
films. This is because bar dancers are ready performers.'
Mr Sharma, from 3's Company, told the Indian Express he's
planning another film with former bar dancers getting parts to play.
'I just approached these girls who were in distress and thought
it would be better to take them into my story rather than do any
research,' he said.
'They'll be able to reflect their life better on celluloid than
any actress.'
- (Reuters)
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