Bombay Eunuch (2001)

Synopsis: BOMBAY EUNUCH takes a fascinating look at a little-known part of Indian life--men who decide, upon turning eighteen, to become eunuchs. They immediately start taking on feminine characteristics... BOMBAY EUNUCH takes a fascinating look at a little-known part of Indian life--men who decide, upon turning eighteen, to become eunuchs. They immediately start taking on feminine characteristics and, because they are so different from mainstream society, choose to live together in makeshift family units in ghettos. Some Indians still consider them divine, seeking their blessings, their curses to be avoided. But most people keep their distance, seeing the eunuchs as a disappearing part of the Indian past that is better left to die out. The documentary follows one family, led by Meena, the matriarchal figure. The family allowed the filmmakers to photograph them in return for small amounts of cash, as the eunuchs, unable to find regular work, are poor, often resorting to begging and prostitution to get by. Yet they are filled with life and love, singing, dancing, and living like "more normal" families, with the same fears and the same hopes. What began as a film about gender ended up as a film about survival, and the results are involving, moving, and devastating. [More]

Starring: Deepa Krishnan, Meena, Baby, Silk

Starring: Deepa Krishnan, Meena, Baby, Silk, Shobana, Amala, Ravi Shankar

Director: Alexandra Shiva, Sean MacDonald, Michelle Gucovsky

Director: Alexandra Shiva, Sean MacDonald, Michelle Gucovsky
Screenwriter: Alexandra Shiva, Sean MacDonald

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