Celebrating Pride Month

Make-up and hair pro Mainak Das called us up with the idea of this shoot to celebrate Pride Month. He put together the cast and crew and even zeroed in on the venue, such was his involvement. We decided to opt for an all-white mood board for Raima Majumder, Kasturi Mukherjee and Kiara Sen. Just like white was an amalgamation of different colours, soothing in all its harmony, we wanted this melting pot of a shoot to take forward the idea of the purity of emotions this Pride Month. That it complemented Label Rahul Dasgupta’s black lookbook was charming, going on to reinstate the timelessness of being oneself. #classic An album.

Raima sported a short dress from H&M that was belted up, complemented by a fur jacket and danglers. Mainak gave her shades of pink on the eyes, in the spirit of Pride Month. The clean high-ponytail matched the look to a T. “This was lovely. Being a part of it was amazing because it was something new and the way it was executed was amazing,” said Raima.

Like since my childhood I knew I was going to pursue modelling, I also knew that I had interest in women. I would hide it from myself. After my mother passed away in 2017, I thought life was really unpredictable. If I was hiding this (bisexuality), I was hiding a major part of me. My family accepted me. I have an elder sister. It wasn’t a struggle. My message is this is not just a phase. One day you won’t wake up and feel straight. People might tell you that but it doesn’t happen that way. Do whatever makes you happy. Even if your family and friends are not being supportive, we are there, the community is there. So, be a part of this community and be open about your sexuality — Raima Majumder, model

Sumit dressed Kasturi in an oversized white shirt from Zara. The thigh-high boots added drama. The rings and choker, the side-parted and gelled hair added just the right amount of cool! Kasturi’s make-up was kept simple. “I was underconfident. I have always been behind the camera (Kasturi has been photographing for seven years). Mainak and Sumit really boosted my confidence,” said Kasturi.

I would consider myself a little bit more privileged than most of the women out there and I had a huge backing behind me. So, I didn’t really have to struggle. My sister is my biggest support here. I never felt the necessity of saying it out loud because there is nothing to say. For me it was not just who I shared my bedroom with, but being queer is a part of my identity, like my surname or name. To really allow people to have a broader perspective, educational reform is required.... We don’t have any political backing. I am really looking forward to legislative and social reforms.... It’s a slow change. The scene is very different when you go to the interiors. People don’t get the space to express themselves. Imagine a child growing up, hiding a part of their identity throughout their life because if they show an iota of their true self, they will be ostracised and shredded into pieces.... it’s painful. I would prefer to use the terms ‘common’ and ‘uncommon’. Heterosexuality is more common. Homosexuality is uncommon, but that doesn’t mean it is ‘abnormal’. We are looking for good allies. The first job of being a good ally is to empathise — Kasturi Mukherjee, photographer

The idea was to project the diva that Kiara was. “Kiara loves dressing up. So, I gave her a winged liner and pastel shades,” said Mainak. Gini gave her glamorous textured long, messy hair. Sumit had a short Studiomoda cape dress for Kiara that he styled with a headband, a neckpiece and a stack of bangles. “I love this kind of diva, pretty, Barbie look and I loved sporting it for my first editorial shoot,” said Kiara.

It was a bit of a struggle in the beginning, but now everything is fine. My parents never had a problem. It was all about what the society would say. The less you think about society, the happier you’ll be. From childhood, aami nije jeta bhalo mone korechhi shetai korechhi and I don’t have any regrets. My friends have always supported me. I think the struggle was with myself to make it in life so that people can’t point fingers. I have never cared about society — Kiara Sen, stylist

“A lot of girls will get inspired by seeing Kiara, Raima and Kasturi and lead a happier life. I am gay and society’r bhoi aamra otota open hote pari na. If we take baby steps, may be it will the pave for a better and brighter future” — Mainak Das, make-up pro

I haven’t done a shoot like this. I was very excited when Mainakda called me and then t2 called with the all-white brief. I love white. We are celebrating Pride Month and the LGBTQIA+ community. Just be yourself. There is nothing to hide and feel ashamed about. Embrace yourself because you are extraordinary — Sumit Sinha, stylist

I loved being a part of this shoot. Honestly, I haven’t been able to muster up so much courage and confidence to pose in front of the camera. In real life, I am extremely confident about myself and my family too is open-minded, especially my mother and sister. In fact, my mother calls me ‘ma’. I feel proud that she is my mother. She treats me like a daughter — Gini Halder, hair pro

Pictures: Pabitra Das

Styling: Sumit Sinha

Make-up: Mainak Das

Hair: Gini Halder

Jewellery: Earthaments

Location: The Car Spa Bistro (East Topsia Road; opposite iLead)

Pride Month Special

Celebrating Pride Month

A special The Telegraph shoot that marks acceptance and peace