India’s first trans band release Bollywood cover of Pharrell’s Happy (VIDEO)
6 Pack Band is comprised of six trans women from Mumbai.
India’s first trans pop band has released its début single.
‘Hum Hain Happy’ is a Bollywood inspired cover of Pharrell Williams’ ridiculously catchy 2013 hit ‘Happy’.
The band, who sing in Hinglish – a blend of Hindi and English – is comprised of six trans women from Mumbai, who were selected from 200 candidates following a lengthy audition process.
The opening scene of the song’s music video explains many of the issues facing the trans community – known as hijras – in India.
“The third gender. Ignored by most. Tolerated by some. Misunderstood by all,” Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma says in the video’s voice over.
“In India, the hijras are a community almost in exile. Standing out at traffic signals after failing to blend in. Knocking on our windows.
“In the hope for some kindness and perhaps a smile.
“But when they don’t get either, they keep their chin up and find a way to simply be happy.”
6 Pack Band will release a six-song EP and accompanying music videos – including a collaboration with Sonu Nigam, one of the country’s most popular singers.
“It is an outstanding initiative. I’m just honoured to be a part of it,” he told the Indo-Asian News Service.
“This is going to be a game-changer in the entertainment industry whether it is in music-making or events.”
Watch the video for Hum Hain Happy below:
