‘6 Pack Band’ or ‘Six Pack Band’ is an Indian music group. Touted as India’s first transgender music group, the group consists of six members- Fida Khan, Ravina Jagtap, Asha Jagtap, Chandni Suvarnakar, Komal Jagtap, and Bhavika Patil.
An Inspiring Musical Journey
Member of 6 Pack Band with Sonu Nigam and Ashish Patil
Back in 2016, Y-Films, the youth entertainment arm of Yash Raj Films, launched India’s first transgender music band- 6 Pack Band. The group’s six members (all transgender) were selected from a group of about 200 who auditioned to be inducted into the group. While talking about this game-changing initiative in the Indian entertainment industry, Ashish Patil, who heads Y-Films, said during a media interaction-
We saw eunuchs at traffic signals begging for a living. Nobody hires them; there is no dignity for them because they are abandoned by their families and society.”
Y-Films has also managed to get actress Anushka Sharma and singer Sonu Nigam to support the initiative.
A Gamechanger in the Indian Entertainment Industry
Member of the 6 Pack Band
Since their stunning debut with a cover version of Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” in 2016, the group has entertained its audience with its unique content. Anushka Sharma has given her voice at the beginning of the first song- Hum Hain Happy.
Some of the group’s other popular hits are:
‘Ae Raju’ – featuring Hrithik Roshan
‘Raula Paye Gaya’ – the official song of Salman Khan’s film ‘Sultan’
‘Hil Pori Hila’ – featuring Arjun Kapoor
‘Sab Rab De Bande’ – including Sonu Nigam’s voice
Gaining international recognition, the band gave India’s only performance at the Cannes festival in 2017. 6 Pack Band has also won the Cannes Grand Prix Lions Glass Award and nine Emvies Awards.
Meet Members
Here are the six members of the ‘6 Pack Band”:
Ravina Jagtap (35): Always a Fighter
While talking about her journey and past, Ravina said-
My journey was great, because I lived with the community and helped them gain respect in the community. I am very protective of my community. I have always been a fighter. There are problems, but it’s our job to deal with them and be happy.”
He wanted to take his band to a new level and also made some Bollywood songs. About his association with music, he said-
I have been associated with music since childhood. I like to sing.”
Asha Jagtap (24): Experiencing an Unpleasant Life
Belonging to the transgender community, Asha has faced various difficulties in life. While talking about her upbringing in the transgender community, Asha said-
My life is unpleasant. The problems we face in our daily lives are different from the daily problems faced by other people. For us, acceptance is an issue. Not being accepted is a feeling we live with every day.”
Asha Jagtap wants to establish ‘6 Pack Band’ internationally and make it one of the best bands in the world. He considers music as part of his community and says-
We sing Badhaais (songs sung by eunuchs at festivals and special occasions like weddings). That’s how most of us are attached to music. We’ve always been musicians, but it’s only now that people are starting to realize it.”
Bhavika Patil (27): Wants to Bring Change
Bhavika has another trauma story; because he was not accepted by his family. Sharing this unpleasant information, he said-
I was not accepted by my family and left to live on my own. I started working as a nurse in a clinic, but when I saw that I was not treated equally, I was hurt. My colleague, who had joined after me, got a promotion. I never got a raise, so I had to quit.”
Although never inclined towards music, Bhavika has been enjoying it ever since she joined the group. About his association with music, he said-
When I found out that something like this (Six Pack Band) was coming, I didn’t want to miss out on being a part of it.”
However, Bhavika’s family never supported her to join a band like this. He added,
It hurts when the person you love the most is not with you when you need them.”
Now, Bhavika is so passionate about music that she wants to bring change in society through music, she said-
I want to bring change in society through music. I want people to know what we, as a community, can do.”
Chandni Suvarnakar (34): Likes to sing
Unlike Bhavika, Chandni considers herself “lucky;” because his parents always support him. Chandni says-
They support who I am and what I do. They have rejoiced in my happiness.”
Since childhood, he loved music. About her joy in singing, she says-
I don’t know if I’m good or bad, but I like to sing.”
Fida Khan (24): Wants to Be a Soulful Musician
Just like Chandni, Fida is also lucky to have the support of her parents; because they gladly accept his sexual orientation. However, they have a stricter nature. Fida said-
They don’t let me go out much because people in my area don’t want me there.”
Fida works with an NGO called Humsafar. He also demanded an ashram for his community in Mumbai. Adoring Michael Jackson, music only happens to Fida. Talking about his association with music, he said-
I never took training. I used to watch TV and movies. That’s how I learned to sing. I want to be a soulful and melodious musician.”
Komal Jagtap (22): String Still Attached
Komal is not as lucky as Fida and Chandni; because his parents didn’t care about him when he was little. Sharing this tragic story, he said-
They stopped talking to me. But when Six Pack Band came out, my family started talking to me again. I do what our society does for a living. I am facing the same problem that the transgender community in this country is facing. But that band changed my life.”
Although his family is still upset with Komal, he continues to live in his community. Komal said-
I still live with the community. I am happy with what I do. I love music.”
Categories: Biography
Source: SCHOOL TRANG DAI
