Once again, Rohini Ramanathan dazzles at Dirty Talk

On shanivaar, I attended the tenth ‘Dirty Talk’. Dirty Talk is a programme of music, spoken word performances, drama and literature organised by Gaysi Family, an LGBTIQ group that is run by a group of lesbian women. 

The event was dhaasu. It had unhinibited rapchik pieces  that touched on topics like polyamoury, gay in every city, books, and gay lovers, the story of lovers – Bombay and Bangalore, musical activism, etc. None of the performances faltered anywhere, though some were performing for the very first time and I could tell that they were nervous. 

Over years, Dirty Talk has brought some of the best talents — right from the nami-grami and to the manzhar-saarkhi-shaant but terrific performer next door. The event also marked the ninth birthday of Dirty Talk. Every year,  people literally are out in gay abandon, speaking about issues in a fun way and bonding with each other like never before and dancing away to glory under the starry night. It is an event that in many ways could be defined as something that is a part of the Mumbai queer culture. 

Every time the most important act of Dirty Talk is not an act at all. It is the story of real people in their own words. Their words may be broken, their lines unrehearsed, but their lives beaming like a beacon of hope leaving a wave of inspiring energy that engulfs everyone. 

There has  been a conscious effort to include causes in the event that has seen survivors of acid attacks, domestic violence, child sexual abuse, thus ensuring that all the seriousness in not lost in the loud music and glitter. This year it was Urja, a wonderful organisation in Dadar that works at providing support to women who are rendered homeless in Mumbai.

The one who weaves these performance pieces of excellence, the host of the event, is usually the most understated. However, that’s not true when it comes to Rohini Ramnathan. She is a radio jockey at the start of the day and a Mumbai-chi porgi all through her life. I am a total fan girl, so mind not my superlatives to describe her talent. I should add though — do go by my words for is not an exageration, but a true tale of her her immense talent. She is fabulous, understands the language of the audience, is quick with her comebacks and everything in between. She is a person who can make people look forward to the host as much as the act itself. 

The first Dirty Talk was hosted by her, and so was the tenth and many in between. I cant stop raving about this woman and neither can I belittle her calibre by using phrases like “one of the best”, because she is undoubtedly the best host I have ever experienced. 

Let’s put our hands together for The Rohini Ramathan.

The Sionchi chokri, with Radiochi Naukri.

Maast aahe ti. 

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