The boy who dances in a sari to titillate men.
At first glance, Lalit seems like any other boy in Bihar, having finished his BA degree, and preparing for his entrance exams. But to help pay for his education, Lalit does a unique job. Dressing up like a woman and dancing in front of crowds of hundreds, Lalit is one of the few remaining performers of an almost forgotten art form called Launda Naach. He doesn’t enjoy what he does, but this is the only way he can support his family. Launda Naach is a folk art in which men dress up as women and dance at social functions and festivals in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. The tradition of Launda Naach dates back to 11th century. The tradition of men performing as women is very old, emanating from restrictions on public dancing for women who performed only in temples and for feudal lords. The masses could only be entertained by men dressed as women.
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