Internet Sensation Transgender Dancer Pooja Sharma ‘Rekha’
For years I have been writing about various artists, covering events,
profiling dancers, talking of innovative choreographies, future of dancers,
dance festivals, shows and more. But today I would like to introduce you all
to a very special dancer. Who has become an internet sensation like non
other, while she dances and asks people for only one rupee on the 7:40 am
Mumbai ladies special local train. Meet the extraordinary Pooja Sharma aks
Pooja Sharma ‘Rekha’.
Amid the gardi (crowd) of Mumbai locals, a vibrant face has evolved with
massive fame and popularity. Dressed in scintillating silks and adorned with
multiple ornaments, a transgender woman from the Kinnar community,
Pooja Sharma has been successful in attracting eyes from all directions.
While she boards the local train to entertain commuters with her dance in
return of an aid of ₹1, it is her sophisticated style and glam chic outfits that
enthralls everyone who sees her.
Joyously referred to as the Bollywood diva 'Rekha', Pooja captivates
everyone through her elegant sarees and extravagant accessories. As a
member of the Kinnar community, she started her journey by performing
‘Mangti’ (begging) in the 7:40 ladies' special Mumbai local. All her admirers
started to take her dancing videos and often posted it on Tiktok, Instagram,
Facebook, twitter, roposo and all the possible social media platforms. Soon
her charming persona and graceful dancing won the hearts of hordes of
netizens. With over 141k followers, Pooja garnered humongous attention in
a quick time, becoming an instant love of netizens.
Enjoying her glory as a renowned celebrity, Pooja is now collaborating with
dance studios, inaugurating new establishments, gracing special events,
giving interviews and the list goes endless! From partnering with dancer
Devesh Mirchandani to being the guest of honour at the launch of high-end
stores, her stardom is getting bigger with each passing day.
Despite having a tumultuous life, Pooja's faith in God and humanity is
simply astounding! The way she recalls her childhood might put you to
tears but her alight spirits and a bright smile can surely cheer you up any
time of the day. Pooja always inspires fellow travelers to help others and
her innocent demeanor will leave you in awe of her personality.
I invited Pooja Sharma ‘Rekha’ to my house and the conversation I had is
something that I will always remember.
Tell me all about your journey?
God put me in a man’s body, I was called Palash aks Pols, we come from a
very poor family and belong to a remote village near Kolkatta. Our condition
was such that we eat a small portion of meal, once, every two days. In my
community, dance is looked down upon and a boy dancing is a taboo. I
would hide my feelings and love for dance but secretly draped my mother’s
saree and danced to hit film songs with my girlfriends under closed doors.
Was this restriction difficult as a child?
I never made friends with boys, as they would tease me for my
mannerisms, I felt safe in the company of girls. Girls never pulled my pants
down to check if I was a boy or a girl but, the boys always did. The same
trauma was a part of my house too. I ran away from home, so I could save
myself from continuous embarrassment and humiliation. I met Deepa, my
Guru who is from the Kinnar community, she embraced me, kept me in her
house, looked after me like her own, she never asked me if I was a boy or
a girl, she accepted me as I am.
How did you start dancing?
One day, I found myself amidst a dance rehearsal and seeing my moves
the choreographer swiftly placed me from the last row to the top. That day I
realized that I have the talent of dance which has the potential to impress
people. For the show I was given a new name ‘Pooja’. I got dressed for the
first time, wore makeup, adorned gajra (flowers) in my hair, drapped a
saree, wore lots of jewellery, Ohhh I felt complete that day. When I looked
at ‘Pooja’ in the mirror I felt extremely shy, so the last name ‘Sharma’ was
added to ‘Pooja’. The event was a hit, organizer appreciated my dance, I
became a lead dancer at all Kinnar dance shows. People started to call me
to dance for their weddings, baby shower and all other occasions where
presence of a Kinnar is considered auspicious.
How did you reach the city of dreams, Mumbai?
In India, Kinnar community is looked down upon, and in smaller cities the
condition is even worst, I came to Mumbai hoping for better acceptance. In
this journey I observed that Transgenders use Tali (clap) and beg on the
cross roads of Mumbai and are humiliated, shamed, disgraced for their
behaviour and often laughed at the way they dress. I decided to change
this, no Taali, only Namaste. No begging on the streets, only dancing inside
a train and that also ladies train because in the gents train life was back to
what it was in my village. I did not want myself to be touched in wrong
places because like all other women I respect my body too and no one is
allowed to touch it without my permission. And most importantly no asking
for money, if someone cares and likes my dance they can pay and that
appreciation is restricted to One Rupee only.
How does it feel when people say you dress like Rekha and dance like
Madhuri?
I worship Rekha ji, she is my epitome of beauty and style and I totally copy
my idol. Madhuri Dixit is my dancing inspiration and I dance to all her song.
But, personally I love to dance to devotional songs as it makes to stay at
peace and helps me connect to the power above, who shows me the way.
People love a lot, what more can I ask for? All I wish and pray is happiness
for everyone. The love I have received on the train is marvelous, people
shower me with gifts, many call me to their homes and perform my pooja,
some even call me Devi. But all I say to them is have a kind heart, that will
make us all Devi: who is nurturer and Shakti (Power).
Turning tables of fate and paving her way to a golden destiny, Pooja
Sharma ‘Rekha’ is living the life of her dreams. It is remarkable, that
despite all the success that she has received, she will avow you with her
humility! Today let us all seek inspiration from women like her, who believe
in nurturing diversity through compassion and care. Her difference is what
makes her special and therein, lies the power of her existence.
