Nagpur: Stereotype off the menu as transgenders dish out culinary skills

NAGPUR: Visitors at the first-ever cookery competition for the transgender community at Jawahar Vidyarthi gruha clapped joyously in honour of the participants from across the state, who had come to the city to attend the event’s final round.
History was scripted at the cookery competition, organized by celebrity chef Vishnu Manohar, as the event went beyond the stereotype to turn into an assertive statement of the community, which is vying for equal recognition in every aspect. The food they made became an expression of freedom from the orthodox beliefs.
The event also brought to fore intellectual faces of the community with participants like Mumbai University’s first transgender graduate Sridevi Londhe, a teacher with a NGO school, who asserted herself as a ‘barrier-breaker’ venturing into diverse field of academics and social activism.
Nikita, who along with partner Sagir Shaikh won the competition, said she wanted to break the wall between the so-called ‘normal’ society and the transgender community to allow them to amalgamate. “Society should start accepting transgenders as it’s integral part just like the rest of it,” said Nikita, who aspires to open an outlet to sell misal in Pune.
It was Nikita and Sagir’s full course spread of stuffed capsicum, lachha paratha, mix veg, veg biriyani, fruit raita, green salads and five types of shakes which drew maximum points from the judges. They decided to keep the Pune team ahead of Nagpur’s Mohini and Sonu Patel, who were declared the second best. Nikita and Sagir, who had been in the food industry for a decade, scored on garnishing, hygiene and variety of dishes prepared within the stipulated time.
Sagir, who owns a refreshment outlet, said the victory meant recognition for her and the efforts she put behind the dishes.
Activist Mohini, a beauty pageant winner, said transgenders like her are proving themselves in every field ranging from cookery to parliament. “In our patriarchal-based nation, the sphere of activities and expertise are demarcated between the sexes but it’s the transgenders who can explore both the domains equally. I want to prove it with my efforts and take the surname of my family only when I achieve a milestone,” said Mohini, who also champions the cause of the community.
Mohini and Sonu had impressed the judges with an 11-dish spread, which included Nagpur’s signature saoji paneer and thecha (green chilly pickle) among others.
Beyond the wins and losses, emotions also flowed unbridled as accolades poured in. Tulsi and Bindiya, who lived off seeking alms, said they had to ask for some petty donations to lead their lives daily, but the event made the world applauding for them for a skill they ever nurtured within the four walls of the house.
“Hamare haath se koi khana khane ke liye dekhta nahi tha. Aaaj sab kha rahe hai hamare dishes (no one wanted to have food from our hands but today, everyone is relishing our dishes),” said Tulsi with tears in her eyes.