Delving into marginalization of Transgender and homosexuality and GBV through Mahesh Dattani’s plays

Living in 21^st century, an era of modernization and technologies, which has surpassed all the boundaries, along with it have evolved into a world of cool gadgets. Although we are open to discuss on any given topic, yet, sometimes we find ourselves tongue-tied when we have to address the issue of homosexuality. For instance Mahesh Dattani’s play “On a Muggy Night in Mumbai” brings out one such distinct character of Bunny who is famous television actor and a gay. Moreover, he has to hide his true identity related to his sexuality and pretend to be an ideal family man. Whereas Ranjit is one such character who moves to Europe to embrace his identity more openly. It makes us question whether we are truly modernized or not.

The main motive of this paper is to analyze the nuances of transgender people/community through Mahesh Dattani’s radio play “Seven steps around the Fire”. Furthermore to bring out the violence being faced by them. Additionally, this paper tries to delve deeper into the world of homosexual people through Mahesh Dattani’s two play, ‘Do the needful’ (a radio play) and “Bravely Fought the Queen”. And discuss how and why the transgender and homosexual people are marginalized in the society. What possible reasons lead them to take steps wherein, they have to hide their real identity and pretend to be an ideal man/woman?

Keywords: transgender, homosexuality, gender based violence, marginalization.