While the Lok Sabha elections 2024's final phase voting in Varanasi is some time away, the buzz has already started due to it being the constituency of Prime Minister Modi. Among the contestants is Himangi Sakhi, the Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhara and the official candidate for the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha in Varanasi. During a special conversation in Varanasi, she opened up not only about her decision to contest the elections but also shared untold stories of her life.
Born into a family from Baroda, Gujarat, Himangi Sakhi's father was Rajendra Bechar Bhai Panchal, and her mother, Chandrakanta Raghuvir Kumar Giri, hailed from a Punjabi family. 'My education was at Holy Family Convent School in Mumbai, but my father's sudden death due to a heart attack led us all to relocate from Mumbai to Gujarat,' she recalls.
'Life took a grave turn after my father passed away'
Himangi Sakhi described her family's life as affluent and high-profile until her father's demise transformed their circumstances. Post her father's death, her mother struggled to manage both the home and her profession as a doctor. She eventually succumbed to grief and mental instability, leaving Himangi with the responsibility of her younger sister.
'I never saw myself in a male body'
Himangi revealed that although her parents were initially delighted with a son, they couldn't anticipate that their child did not identify with a male body. After her parents' death, she took charge of her sister's marriage before turning to spirituality.
Working with Ashutosh Rana in 'Shabnam Mausi'
Despite not pursuing extensive education, Himangi managed to make a mark in the film industry as an artist, citing her father's occupation as a film distributor in Mumbai as an anchor. She shared her experience working alongside actor Ashutosh Rana in the film 'Shabnam Mausi'.
'I had to live in an ashram under disguise'
Himangi spoke about hiding her identity to study sacred scriptures in Brajbhoomi, Vrindavan, due to the prohibited entry of transgenders in ashrams at that time. She lived in a simple lungi and kurta to keep her transgender identity undisclosed.
'I narrate Bhagavat Katha in five languages'
A spiritual devotee, Himangi's dedication to disseminating knowledge led her to Mumbai where she engages in spreading the teachings. She is proficient in delivering the narrative of the Bhagavat Katha in Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Marathi, and English.
'A parliamentary seat should be reserved for the transgender community'
When asked about her reason to stand against PM Narendra Modi in Varanasi, Himangi advocated for a reserved parliament seat for people from her community. She expressed her dissatisfaction with the BJP government for not doing so, prompting her challenge in the Varanasi region.
