EXCLUSIVE: This Raksha Bandhan, I finally tie a rakhi as a sister, says Anaya Bangar
Bombay Times has always been at the forefront of social change and inclusivity, leading the conversation through a series of firsts that have challenged norms, celebrated diversity, and pushed boundaries.
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We had the privilege to be a part of Anaya Bangar and her younger brother Atharva's first
celebration. Daughter of former cricketer
, Anaya, 24, came out as a transwoman a year ago and has been vocal about her journey, which has earned its share of bouquets and brickbats. Atharva, her 16-year-old brother is training to be a professional cricketer. Sport runs in their blood and the siblings continue to banter over their common love for cricket, irrespective of Anaya's transition.
Through this conversation, you'll see there's a lot to learn from Gen Z's open-mindedness and deep-rooted sense of acceptance.
Excerpts…
BOMBAY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: Anaya and Atharva Bangar celebrate their first Raksha Bandhan this year
This year marks your first Raksha Bandhan as a brother-sister. That must feel special, doesn't it?
Anaya:
I am ecstatic. Raksha Bandhan is the biggest celebration of a brother and sister relationship. I never thought this day would come where I would get to celebrate this festival as a sister.
Today it's actually happening.
Atharva:
After she came out, I wondered what would happen on Raksha Bandhan! Yeh bhi hoga abhi! I am speechless (laughs), not in a bad way, it's just that life has a way of surprising you. I want her to give me AirPods. I want to change the rules of Rakhi.
Bombay Times Exclusive: Anaya and Atharva Bangar celebrate their first Raksha Bandhan this year
How has this relationship evolved over the years?
Anaya:
We are eight years apart. I used to bully him a lot but now I don't. Our bond has only grown stronger. We are more like friends now, but I will always be his protective elder sister.
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We have grown up in the same environment and I have been a teenage boy once, so those experiences are similar. I know how he thinks and feels about certain things be it girls, first crush for instance. He asks me for advice on how to treat women or how to be on the cricket field.
We are both very shy and introverted. He still is. I am growing out of it and experiencing the world. I feel he should, too.
Atharva:
Once, she gave me a boy's point of view — now, she gives me a girl's point of view so it's a win-win situation (laughs).
Our bond has stayed the same. Gender has nothing to do with it. We love playing cricket together. We are both all-rounders. I missed her for the two years that she was in the UK. I am glad she's back. We have movie nights, we order food, it's fun to have her around.
Bombay Times Exclusive: Anaya and Atharva Bangar celebrate their first Raksha Bandhan this year
What inspires you about the other?
Atharva:
I hope I am as confident as she is. I am working on it. She challenged societal norms and came out as a transwoman; I deeply admire her for that.
There's not much awareness around the LGBT issues in India, and she went ahead anyway. That needs a lot of courage. The way some people troll her, it doesn't make sense to me. They don't think twice before making disparaging remarks. Why criticize something you don't understand? No one has had the guts to bring this up with me and even if they do, it won't bother me.
I am glad my generation is more accepting.
Anaya:
I am proud of him and how understanding he is at this young age. He is setting an example for society. Even after my transition, he never judged me. He is my sibling as he was before. Nothing changed.
Atharva, what kind of guy would you like to be your brother-in-law?
Someone kind and respectful. I need to bond with him for him to become a part of my family. It doesn't matter if he's a cricketer or not.
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