Will be interesting to see if and how "conservatives" will accept this?

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Will be interesting to see if and how "conservatives" of Madras/Tamil Nadu will accept this? Mainstream new program by Vijay TV: Intro video (in English) at: http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/exclusive/ipadikku-rose-vijay-tv-071107.html

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About this Show Ipadikku Rose, the first talk-show in South Indian television, hosted by a transgender 'Rose' will launch on February 28 , airing Thursdays at 10 pm on Vijay TV. Rose, a transgender with a Master's degree from United States hosts the much-awaited talk-show Ipadikku Rose. The show is sure to sensitize people to topics that are considered taboo in society. 'Ipadikku Rose' is an interactive programme inviting participants to talk about the social issues that affects our society. The show is one of its kind in the talk show genre that will stir emotions, awaken conscience and set the audience thinking. While dealing with human emotions, Rose brings to light the problems faced by people who come from different strata of society. She deals with issues which have not been discussed in a public forum ever before. Some of the topics that would be debated are 'Domestic violence in foreign countries', 'Sexual harassment in colleges', 'The life of models', 'The rise in number of divorces among celebrities' etc., as people affected open their hearts out to Rose. A Panel of experts would be present on the sets to throw more light on the topics discussed. Rose would don the role of a moderator and is sure to strike an emotional chord with the audience. The show is an attempt to bring forth people who are sidelined by the society and who do not get an opportunity to voice their grievances. The Host To be a role model for the Transgender community, realize their innate potentials and empower them. Education: 2001-2004: MS Biomedical Engineering, Louisiana Tech University, USA 1997-2001: BE Mechanical Engineering, Sathyabama Engineering College, Chennai 1997-2001: Class 12, Sri Ramakrisha Mission Hr Sec School, Chennai Work expereience 2005: American accent trainer, HCL BPO, Greams Road, Chennai 2004-'05: American accent trainer, SlashSupport, North Boag Road, Chennai 2005-'07: Web design and developer, home business Trainer in Tamil Nadu State Aids Control Society aimed at educating the Tamil Nadu police department about the transgeder community, their rights, issues and concerns etc. Trained a group of Counsellors working in the Juvenile homes Media expereience Host in a live show for a Tamil TV channel named Vectone TV, London for 30 shows Appeared in CNN IBN in an exclusive interview Articles about me published in leading dailies like the Hindu, Chennai & Daily News Analysis, Mumbai

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India's transgender talk show host A controversial new talk show has hit TV screens in southern India. The programme, "Ipadikku Rose", is not only unusual in its subject matter but its new host has certainly broken from the ranks. The programme is hosted by Rose, who used to be a boy called Ramesh. She is India's first transgender person to host their own talk show on TV. BBC World Service's Outlook programme spoke to Rose about her new show. "I expect a lot of positive reaction to the choosing of me as an anchor," she said. Tackling taboos The show will also tackle topics that are socially taboo in India. "We will be tackling subject that are very controversial in nature, from gay rights to sexual abuse and prostitution," said Pradeep Milroy Peter, the station's head of programming. "All the issues that have been hushed up and put under the carpet." The first episode aired on Thursday and dealt with the issue of sexual harassment of women. Five guests, including two girls, a couple and an academic participated along with a studio audience. Next up is an episode on exploitation of women in the world of modelling. "The early response to the show has been good," said Rose. She studied for a master's degree in biomedical engineering in the US and worked as a web site designer before she returned home to Madras (Chennai). Some of her family are still not willing to accept her sexuality. "Not all of them have accepted me with open hands," she said. She did not start dressing as a woman until she was in her early twenties. Now at 28, she has long hair and wears feminine clothes everyday. "Deep inside I relished being a girl," she said. Being aware Rose became aware of her femininity when she was around five-years-old and felt uncomfortable being a boy. I have been publicly ridiculed, called names and looked down upon, there has also been physical abuse. It took her years to tell her family how she felt, but when she did, her family was devastated. "My mum was shattered, she burst out in tears and my dad was full of sorrow," she said. When she returned to India after studying in the US, her family were under the impression that they could retain her as a man. They even looked at marriage as a "possible solution" to try and change her. Tradition versus perception Transsexuals are know as or "hijras" in India. Traditionally they have been surrounded by superstition and myth but modern society has been less tolerant of them. Many are shunned by their families and find it hard to obtain conventional jobs and turn instead to begging and prostitution for a living. Even though Rose is set for TV stardom, her life has been difficult since she has come out. "I have been publicly ridiculed, called names and looked down upon. "There has also been physical abuse," she said. However, she is optimistic that her show will change society's attitude towards transgender people and put them in a more positive light. Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/world/south_asia/7265463.stm

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^^The family even looked at marriage as a "possible solution" to try and change her/him. And then the marriage will be destroyed in a few years!?? !

[Guest Hiten.]

Gutsy move I must say. I won't be surprised if the studio set ends up in ashes. Lets see how long does it take the southies to burn effigies of the TV producer/director :haha:

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Gutsy move, yes. What will happen? Popularity gain for the show or problems? Time will tell (Aun Lal's favorite phrase: "time will tell" :haha:)

[suma25]

there is already one transgender show on one of the hindi channels . there was also the saem hoohala when it was to be launched . nothing happened all for publicity its basically a celebrity show and the host is from pakistan .utter crap.the show hostess is utter dhongi.

[THX_1138]

Anything that is challenging the status quo, the miserable cynicism and bigotry of the indian masses ought to be welcomed. If on top of that, this show has decent content, well then two thumbs way up! Good luck chum.