Eunuchs to dance in Bangalore discos
Nehal Kidwai, Rati Ramadas
Monday, February 18, 2008, (Bangalore)
The Live Bands Association in Bangalore is protesting the state government rule that women can't dance in a place that serves alcohol.
There is a unique manner of protest that they are adhering to. They are bringing in eunuchs who can legally dance the night away.
The next time you go dancing in Bangalore, you may be sharing the floor with a eunuch.
This is exactly what the Live Bands Association of Bangalore is planning to protest the ban on dancing in the city.
After the State Home Department decided to crack down on live bands, firstly for their alleged association with criminals and secondly because of an archaic Karnataka excise act, which says women cant dance at a place that serves alcohol.
The association has decided that if girls are not allowed to dance in bars, they will bring in eunuchs from neighbouring states and ask them to dance in discotheques.
Rupa, a eunuch says, "why should we feel bad? We are making money here."
The association may be trying to reinforce the law, but the State Home department has banned dancing in discos as well.
The Live Bands Association alleges that discos get away with dancing behind closed doors.
Sanjay Kochchar, coordinator of Bangalore Live Bands Association feels, "how can there be different rules for diffferent people? To teach them a lesson, we will bring in eunuchs and we will ask them to dance with anybody who goes to dance in discotheques."
Though the police agree that couples can be allowed to dance, the Karnataka excise act states that women cant work at bars as dancers or as bartenders.
Cop Gopal Hossur, however, feels differently. He says, "there are limits to be kept in society. We will take a decision depending on various norms of society and the law of the state."
Though live bands are hoping to play on, sources in the police say another one of their demands to extend their deadline from 11:30 pm to 1:30 am may be met. But the question is what is the point of shutting shop late if there is no entertainment.