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Performance is beyond gender stereotypes: Former Mr. Gay India Sushant

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New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) After exploring the world of acting, modelling and hosting, Mr. Gay India 2014 Sushant Divgikar, who will be seen trying his hand at singing as a participant in reality TV show “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa”, has urged people not to judge an artiste on the basis of gender.

“Performance is beyond gender stereotypes. To be a good performer, it does not matter whether you are male, female or gay. What plays an important role is your performance. If you are a good performer, people will definitely appreciate your talent.

“Be it acting, dancing or singing or any other XYZ profession, gender can’t resist someone from showcasing their skills,” Sushant told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

The 28-year-old will be performing as Rani Ko-He-Nur, his drag queen avatar which came into being a year ago, in “Sa re Ga Ma Pa”, which will go on air on Zee TV later this month.

Explaining the concept of a drag queen, he said: “A man dresses up in women’s clothes and performs in front of public. In the West, it is being followed a lot. On Indian television, it has not been practiced till now. So, I feel blessed and fortunate to perform my art in the form of a drag queen and to put Rani in the forefront.

“In our country, there are many people who are adamant to accept all sorts of people and performers, so through my drag queen get-up, I want people to accept me with open arms and love my new singing avatar.”

As Sushant is not a professionally trained singer, he finds competing against other participants a little challenging.

“Though singing is my first love, I have practiced singing only in childhood. Now, I have to take music lessons and rehearse every morning. All other participants in the show would be well-trained, so I am little nervous. But I am excited because life is meant to face challenges.”

Sushant is also well-known for supporting the rights of the LGBTQ community. He is extremely happy about the Supreme Court verdict on decriminalising homosexuality.

“After the verdict, I have observed a lot of changes in people. They have become more open. Earlier, LGBTQ people were denied entry into various clubs and several places, but now clubs are organising gay parties and people have become more friendly.

“I would not say that there is a complete transformation in people’s mindset, but all these small changes in today’s time matter a lot.”

–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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