How this trans artist found life and purpose in a Maharashtrian folk dance form

Belgaum resident Maahi Kadam found their calling in the folk dance Lavani, whose roots can be traced to Maharashtra’s folk culture and are often associated with the Marathi theatre form, Tamasha.

Assigned male at birth, Kadam realised their transfeminine identity around the age of 12 when they would discuss clothes and schoolyard crushes with other girls in school, sharing their fluttery excitements and dreamy yearnings.

Today, at 42, they continue to embody their femininity, thanks to Lavani. The dance form, known for its powerful rhythm, vibrant costumes, and expressive storytelling, blends dance and music to explore themes of love and longstanding societal issues. 

However, its association with tales of passion and sensuality have coloured its understanding and reception in cultural spaces.

In fact, many members of the LGBTQIA+ community resonate with the dance form owing to its history of challenging traditional gender norms and providing a platform for community members to express their gender fluidity in the ways they choose—much like what drag has done in the West. 

Lavani has evolved to include performances by male dancers, who dress in women's attire and take on traditionally feminine roles. These performances have often created a space where non-conformity to traditional gender roles is accepted and fervently celebrated.

Kadam’s story begins when they were in school. They say, “I tried clothes aping Madhuri Dixit. I learnt to tailor dresses to fit my body and size, and danced to my heart’s content at cultural shows.” 

Raised with two brothers and three sisters, it wasn’t until Kadam’s brothers joined the Indian Army and their sisters were old enough to get married that their cross-dressing became a problem. 

“What I did with my life and how I presented myself began ‘threatening’ my brothers’ reputation at work and the prospects of my sisters finding grooms,” they say, adding, “So, I restricted the only time I dressed up and danced to when I was performing Lavani, which I started learning on my own by watching television and other performers at Ganesh Chaturthi and Holi festivities.”

For those who identify as transgender or gender non-conforming, Lavani offers a means of self-expression While male performers or 'nachyas' often face stigma and discrimination due to gender conforming norms and the inherently sensual themes of the dance form, they also find empowerment and a sense of community in it.

Kadam has performed at least 400 shows to date. They also travel across Maharashtra to teach the dance form to other members of the trans community. 

Off stage, they have chosen to don men’s clothes to maintain a low profile and avoid drawing attention to their gender identity—something they began doing to appease their family as a young transfeminine person.

However, there are no regrets as they believe they live their true life on stage.

“I can be anything as a performer and wear the nauvuri (traditional Maharashtrian saree), kamar patta (waistband), jewellery, and makeup. I dance to songs about love, conflict, and desire.” 

They tailor clothes to their favourite colours—orange and yellow with parrot green; aubergine with gold, red, and wine. Their popularity as a Lavani artist has made them a cultural authority at rangoli events and fashion shows.

“And all I get in return is a hearty applause,” says Kadam.

There have been times when Kadam has been subject to sexual harassment and mockery—sometimes by fellow artists—as a Lavani dancer. 

“When we are called for private performances, 10-15 artists are given one room to stay overnight. There’s always someone who gets unsettlingly close, touches inappropriately, and keeps me up in terror all night. But there is nothing I can do in those situations to defend myself,” they say.

A lifetime of dancing however has obscured these risks, they say, and nothing takes away the fulfilment of living true to one’s values, says Kadam. 

“Lavani has validated my gender identity, given me all the things I love—to dress the way I want, to express my love, desire, and hurt as a trans-identifying person, and dance for hours together to celebrate things in my own and other people’s lives," they say.

“To me, it’s the kind of authenticity not many are blessed to live with. And that reason is more than enough to keep me on my feet."