Q: What does love mean to you?
Love – romantic or otherwise is unconditional support, sticking it out for each other and allowing space for individual growth.
Q: How was your experience shooting for GG?
It was fun, strange too—COVID has really changed the way I feel about public spaces.
Q: How did you feel wearing these outfits?
Confident. Absolutely loved the blazer!
Q: Do you see a change in people now? Are they more accepting to varied gender roles?
Kind of, but nothing that amounts to any drastic change. There’s a slightly better understanding when it comes to non-conformity but there’s still a long way to go in India. The same oppression takes newer forms.
Q: You managed to channelize your identity in your field of work gracefully. Was it difficult or were you able to initiate that process smoothly?
I’ve tried to never stray away from being myself and that helped. Also, the people I surrounded myself with played a huge role in making the journey a lot less arduous.
Q: Do you have a message you want to send others who might be still inhibited to openly express themselves?
Such inhibitions could always be due to potential imminent danger in their immediate surroundings. I’d say do so only when you feel safe. Please don’t feel any coercion, explicit or implicit, to express yourself in a way you’re not yet ready to. You are allowed to take your time.
Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My mum! I’ve always looked up to her for reasons other than her just being my mum. My truest sense of acceptance comes from her.
