Author: space4knews

Chapal Bhaduri began portraying female characters at the age of 16 and continued his acting career despite societal stigma and changing times. In mid-20th century West Bengal, India, it was common for male actors to play leading female roles on stage. Among them, Chapal Bhaduri was the most renowned. At one point, he was famously known as Chapal Rani, the unrivaled queen of Bengali folk theatre. Jatra, a traditional traveling theatre form popular in rural Bengal, drew large crowds with its mythological performances accompanied by music. However, women were forbidden from participating publicly in acting or dancing, so men performed female roles and were referred to as ‘male queens.’ Chapal Bhaduri was considered the undisputed king—or rather queen—of this genre.

Born in Kolkata in 1939, Chapal inherited a passion for acting from his mother, Prabha Devi, an established theatre artist. By the age of 16, he was already on stage. His naturally gentle demeanor and soft voice suited female roles perfectly, helping him appear convincingly as women on stage. However, early on he struggled to look authentically feminine, resorting to worn fabric pieces and makeup like kohl and tika. Over his career, he portrayed queens, goddesses, and even brothel madams. He considered femininity an integral part of his artistry. His performances made audiences laugh and cry, and often provoked deeper reflection.

By the late 1960s, theatre began to see the entry of women actors. Gradually, society stopped accepting bearded ‘queens’ on stage. During an early performance, Chapal was publicly humiliated when audience members threw mud pots at him, forcing him off the stage. After reaching great heights, Chapal’s life became difficult. Many of his contemporaries fell into poverty, but he refused to give up. He worked as a library cleaner and once walked the streets dressed as Sheetala Mata, a folk goddess, blessing people while begging for food and money.

Chapal’s personal life was equally complex. He never apologized for his love or sexuality. Admirers frequently proposed or offered relationships. He maintained a long-term romantic relationship lasting more than 30 years with a man who had his own family. Yet Chapal never identified with third-gender or any modern labels, insisting simply, “I am who I am,” sometimes moved to tears by this truth. Eventually, his setbacks proved temporary. In 1999, filmmakers Nabin Kishore and later Kaushik Ganguly created documentaries and films based on his life, bringing him renewed attention. To new generations, he emerged as a queer icon and a courageous individual. Now aged 80, Chapal Bhaduri lives in a Kolkata old-age home, far from his childhood home, but his memories remain vivid. Writer Sandeep Roy has documented Chapal’s extraordinary journey in his recent book, Chapal Rani: The Last Queen of Bengali.

March 11, Kathmandu – The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has launched a new initiative to address incidents of harassment and abuse faced by students from schools to universities. Minister Sasmita Pokharel has made a public appeal, urging students who have experienced any form of abuse to directly register their complaints with the ministry. Through social media, she has asked students enrolled in schools and universities to report any abuse they have faced or are currently facing.

Minister Pokharel emphasized that the ministry aims to create a safe educational environment and will promptly investigate and take action on complaints received. She further stated that the ministry has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment and exploitation occurring within educational institutions. Students can file their complaints using an online form provided by the ministry.

When submitting a complaint, students are required to include: 1. The name of the educational institution where they are studying; 2. The nature of the abuse; and 3. Detailed description of the incident. This mechanism allows students to report issues related to ethnic and gender discrimination, verbal or physical abuse, sexual violence, psychological pressure, bullying, and online harassment, among other concerns.

President Dhanishwar Gautam of the Nepal Construction Industry Council in Gulmi reported that the costs of petroleum products, bitumen, cement, iron materials, and labor have surged by 30 to 36 percent. Construction professionals have called on the government to immediately address this price increase as a ‘price escalation’ and to eliminate unnecessary administrative pressures. They warn that the rising costs and supply instability in the construction sector are directly affecting project progress and could hinder the national development process. (March 27, Gulmi)

The abnormal price increases of essential materials across development and construction projects nationwide have impacted the overall construction sector. According to Gautam, persistent rises in the costs of petroleum products, bitumen, cement, iron materials, transportation, and labor have driven construction expenses up by an average of 30 to 36 percent. Businesspersons indicate that the instability in supply and external factors have had a direct adverse effect on the progress of most projects under these circumstances.

They emphasized that this issue is not limited to a single project or company, but a shared nationwide challenge. Despite the sensitive situation, various agencies have continued applying unnecessary administrative pressure, repeatedly requesting clarifications, making inquiries, and causing mental stress. Business leaders have highlighted these concerns as significant. They argue that the decision-making process must adopt transparency and fairness, asserting that informal and unethical expectations undermine good governance.

Construction industry professionals demand that the government immediately address the price increases by acknowledging them as ‘price escalation,’ recognize external and uncontrollable conditions as ‘force majeure’ or ‘exceptional conditions,’ end unwarranted pressures on businesses, and conduct all procedures transparently and fairly. In a press release, President Gautam emphasized that disregarding the true state of the construction sector will further impact projects. He warned that obstacles to national development could arise, potentially forcing the industry to take formal actions with relevant authorities.