Ippadikku Rose : Hats off to Vijay TV

As always innovation is the mantra of success for star vijay tv. After successful programs like 'Super Singers', 'Jodi No.1', 'Coffee with Suchi(Anu)', 'Jillunu oru joodi', 'kadai alla nijam' and daily sops like 'kana kanum kalankal', 'madurai', they once again break thru the barriers for an wonderful initiative through the show Ippadikku Rose.

Even though many of its prime time shows are ditto copies of their sister channels in star network, this i think is only one of its kind. First time in Indian media a transgender person is anchoring a TV show. Imagine a Transgender person anchoring a show exclusively for the so called conservative and very reserved type of society, the Tamil speaking people. Good to know that, at-least now they get recognized in some way.

Hats off to vijay tv to take such an initiative. As quoted in New York Times, Pradeep Milroy Peter, who leads programming, says its very experimental.

“We don’t know how much acceptance there will be,” “We are crossing our fingers. The market has a craving for talk shows, but this one comes with a difference. It’s very experimental.”

It's true, that acceptance of people like rose is more difficult, even in our modern society. The article quotes that reality

Hijras appear in positive roles in Indian mythology, but modern society has tended to be less tolerant. A majority are shunned by their families. Many find it impossible to obtain conventional jobs and turn instead to begging and sex work for a living.

But, Rose (used to be known as Ramesh Venkatesan) was so confident

“Transgenders in India are seen as immoral and evil,” “I will break that image by being articulate, intelligent and a bit like the girl next door.”

Hope this show gets all the attention it needs to get.

Related Blog Post : Ram Viswanathan