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When Nalini Jameela published her debut ‘The Autobiography of a Sex-Worker’ in 2005, adultery was a crime in India. Those days, female celebrities who spoke publicly about women's right to sex before marriage were greeted with rotten tomatoes, eggs, and month-long protests.
More than 15 years later, the Kerala-based former sex-worker, now 69 years old, recounts her struggle and humiliation, albeit from the “privileged position” of a best-selling author, activist, speaker and most recently, a state award winning costume designer.
Jameela, who shares a rented accomodation with her daughter’s family in a village in Tamil Nadu, is aware that the India that she knew has come a long way. Adultery is no longer a crime in the country. Female celebrities can speak about their sexual rights; on screen, visuals of female masturbation are not uncommon. Kerala, from where Jameela began her work from “company houses,” discreet brothels located in rural areas, is home to one of biggest fan bases for former porn star, Sunny Leone. Last time the former porn star visited Kerala, thousands poured onto the streets to catch a glimpse.
So are cultural attitudes towards sex shifting? Jameela has been at the forefront of a campaign to decriminalise sex work, which she believes will not only save sex workers from harassment, but also improve their safety and provide financial security.
In an interview with Sangeeth Sebastian, Jameela talks about her life, work, and future plans.
Q You won the Kerala state film awards recently (October 16) for the best costume designer. Do you have any experience in designing costumes?
(Laughs) I am doing costumes for a movie for the first time! I did it because it was my friend’s project. ‘Bharathapuzha’ was based on the life of a sex worker. So when my friend asked me to work on the costumes, I picked cues from my personal dressing style. I am not someone who wears expensive dresses or ornaments. Honestly, I never expected this award.
By Sangeeth Sebastian, senior journalist and founder VVox, a digital health clinic.The series is part of an AKADialog initiative to capture the lives of newsmakers