BIJLI

Consider Manhattan as a sprawling Hollywood set. Amongst the swarms of people that crowd the streets like extras, Fayaaz Bijli is another face relegated to the background of our visual spectrum. Come sundown, however, and the inconspicuous Fayaaz morphs into the iconic personae of 'Bijli,' a voluptuous Pakistani drag queen.

Yet beneath the flamboyant stage presence lies a courageous individual who has carved out a unique and cherished identity for herself in a world that has been all too quick to label her as an 'outsider'.

Defining herself as a woman stuck in a man's body, Fayaaz has spent her life struggling between the polar tensions of male/female, East/West and Islamic faith/promiscuity. This award-winning film is a glimpse into Fayaaz's psyche as she navigates her way through a New York City life.

Directed by Adnan Malik

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Bijli
• Adnan Malik
• Kara Film Festival
• Best short film
• Delhi Digital film festival
• student academy awards
• Pakistan
• New York
• drag queen
• transgender
• transvestite
• islam

[qagha]

This is bloody brilliant. I'd seen it first last year, and now I revisit only to appreciate it even more. So very proud of you - and hope you secure the time and finds to channel your energy and talent into a long, full film the masses can ooh and aah over. Bol etc have nothing on this.

[humdreamers]

very nicely filmed

[harispagal]

hi... baji aap ki taveer aab bhi maray kamray main lagi hui hay........ BTW im koshalya.. used to be in NY...

[intergalacticpeace]

good job, keep it coming

[kanglibhinot]

i think that is great potryal of an idividual......it describes a heart, a soul....and a very real someone who has transcended the rigid definitions of gender roles......thank you adnan for sharing.

[nussbaum73]

amazing