2007: A Calendar pushes the limits of South Asian Sexy

Since its founding, SAJA has been, more than anything else, about the journalism, and stuff like the truth. But it's also been about trends and representation, and about sexy, and to that end we've asked Saroosh Gull, publisher of DesiClub.com, to elaborate on his Sexy South Asian Girls 2007 Calendar. The calendar has been selling for $14.95 online, and features Anjali Bhimani, who acted in the Broadway run of Bombay Dreams, as well as Mariyah Moten (the cover girl), who won the Miss Pakistan Bikini title. The calendar's launch party is today in New York.

A press release on the DesiClub website plays up the potential for controversy:

"The calendar itself is not without controversy. The cover girl, along with several other models in the calendar are of muslim background and posing in bikinis has caused quite an uproar in some communities."

Tell us a little about this calendar. Has anything like this been done before? Who's funding it?

SAROOSH GULL: Well, the idea was there for some time about doing something new and edgy but it wasn't until my co-publisher, Ojas Vaidya, pushed the idea on me by starting the initial model search. And no, I am very proud to say that this has indeed never been done before in North America or the UK. The only other calendar showcasing South Asian (Indian) models is the Kingfisher calendar, which is far more conservative and is based solely out of and for India. This is being funded by myself and Ojas Vaidya. We also have some great sponsors on board.

What kind of distribution do you have in mind? What's your print run?

We printed an initial batch of 20,000 and after a few weeks of selling it exclusively on DesiClub.com, we have a little more than half left, which we plan on distributing at various launch parties and for promotional purposes - as was our plan. Its a great tool for our brand so sales weren't the only catalyst. We do however plan on having a non-exclusive distribution channel in place for the 2008 calendar, which will make the calendar available in mainstream retail outlets and other websites.

These women - how did you find them?

We found all of our models by doing a model search on our site, DesiClub.com, and by utilizing our relationships with key players in the South Asian-American scene. It wasn't easy finding 12 Desi girls who wanted to pose in Bikinis, but we actually found 17, of which only 12 made it to the calendar.

Given that this is a desi calendar, you could've dressed your models in, say, salwar kameez. But you chose bikinis instead. Why?

I don't think anyone wants to see South Asian models in salwar kameez, that's been killed and killed again by the existing fashion outlets, who do nothing but the same thing over and over again. That was also part of the reason for doing what we did, to showcase South Asian women in a way that they have never been shown before. It puts a whole new perspective on South Asian-Americans being in the mainstream and not repeating the cliched Indian fashion look of saris and salwar kameez - not that there is anything wrong with that but we wanted to project an American look and that is what we accomplished.

Were there any decisions you made to scale down the sexy factor, given the audience?

Not at all. But in directing the photo shoots, there were times when I did have to scale things back a little, but only for artistic reasons. I don't think the calendar is overtly sexy, it has a good blend of sexiness, but does not cross any boundaries that have not been crossed in the mainstream.

You say the calendar isn't 'overtly sexy.' But isn't it? Would it be unfair to some of the shots are inspired by porn, as mainstream as some porn imagery may be? Most of the shots are more risque than what you'd find in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

I do not think it is overtly sexy - it is nothing more than what you see on MTV or VH1 or any Network channel at any given time. We could have done something more conservative, but then what would be the point of that as our main goal was to bring South Asian models into the mainstream and by maintaining a conservative concept, it really would not be introducing anything new and it most certainly would not have the impact that this is having on getting notoriety for the models and for the project itself. While we did maintain an edgy style - it is nothing beyond mainstream publications MAXIM or FHM or network TV for that matter.

Comments

[Jaya Kamlani]

Please, please do not go there. The reason we Indians are held in high regard in America is because we are seen as law-abiding citizens, diligent professionals and model immigrants. Now if we develop and market trashy calendars and magazines, what will our image be in five years? It will be downhill from hereon.

Recently I wrote to an editor of a new Indian magazine in New York, and reminded him to take the high road, because the models in the magazine showed more skin than is expected of such magazines, especially when the articles in the magazine were highly conservative. I wrote to him that if he wanted to exhibit scantily clad women in bikinis in his magazine, he should be fair and display male models in their skimpy clad swimming trunks. Then we would have an equal opportunity situation, and his magazine could go the way of Esquire or Victoria's Secret. I did not hear from him.

It is easy to take the wrong road to seek attention because it does not require much effort. But if one wants to make news why not take the high road and be a good role model to your community than to fall prey to such ego-driven calendars and magazines. Of course, the choice is always there, for this is America. But why not take the road less traveled? If one is creative, there are great opportunities in arts. Why succumb to the low depths of sleazy photographs even if there is a market for them? Not everyone can be a rocket scientist or a doctor, but there are so many wonderful opportunities available in America.

Once again, please don't post such articles. They do NOT deserve publicity on your blog. SAJA Forum blog should stay strictly professional, and take the ethical and moral road.

Some of us who came to America in the sixties and seventies had to work very hard to get to where we are today. Some might see us as pioneers who had to endure many struggles without the advantage of having the support of an Indian community. So let us keep that pioneering spirit going and not get sidetracked by temptations. Let us walk the challenging roads that have not been explored.

-- Jaya Kamlani

[Irfan Modi]

this is a pretty good discusison and I do appreciate what you have said Jaya. But I do strongly disagree with your comments on many points. Firstly, your definition of ethical or moral may differ from my definition and from everyone else's for that matter.

It does take guts to do what these people have done and they are the new generation and the ideals they have are different from your generation, which luckily is passing on. I do not think by having this calendar out there, it will hurt our reputation as desis. It will definitely not hurt us more than AIDS in india, or lack of education and corruption in pakistan has.

[Jaya Kamlani]

Irfan Modi, instead of arguing which generation is better, here's what we can all do for our young Indian women. We have to make sure they are educated as far as they can go, and they have some job skills so they can get decent jobs and do not have to such resort to such type of modeling.

You may not realize it, but many such young women are taken advantage of by some men and they are beaten. We have to make sure that our Indian women are well looked after so they don't fall prey to bad influences that can ruin their lives.

Here's the challenge. What can you and your friends and Saroosh Gull and his partner do to help these young women? You know they would not be posing for these calendars if they did not need the money. Can we count on young Indian men to rise to the occasion and come up with a plan that could help them, whether they are Hindu or Muslim or Catholic women. There are women's organizations who can help them. Treat all women well, help them in their hour of need by building their self-esteem, and you will get nothing but kindness in return from them when they realize how you have changed their lives. When they turn to the streets for money, that's when they need help the most, because their self-esteem is at their lowest point.

I have given a talk on women's rights in the past, so I know what I am talking about. Since I am older, I also know something about human psychology. I trust you and your friends, even Saroosh Gull (who I don't know) and his partner will take up this challenge and come up with a good solution to help our young women. I am counting on all of you, so please don't let me down.

-- Jaya Kamlani

[Kalyan P]

Jaya

"Since I am older, I also know something about human psychology"

This is the funniest thing I ever heard. Do you really think being old makes you superior.

[Irfan Modi]

Hi again Jaya, I can see that your view point is completely biased and your points of reference are unfounded with this calendar and the models showcased in it. Do you know why? Here is a list of credentials of each of the models who you seem to think are abused, starved and desperate:

Miss January, Kinal Bhatt runs her family business out of Tempe, AZ.

Miss February, Amena Deen is a student at New York's Pace University and is doing Pre-Law.

Miss March, Ami Sheth is a practicing Doctor (Veterinarian) who has taken up modeling full time.

Miss April, Mariyah Moten is a spokesperson for Kohi-Noor Jewels and is a student, studying hotel management in Texas.

Miss May, Lena Jamon is a registered nurse (RN) in New York.

Miss June, Simran Deol is a professional career woman based out of NJ.

Miss July, Soni Kumar is a college student.

Miss August, Anjali Bhimani is an accomplished actress who was in the world famous "Bombay Dreams" and also on HBO's "The Sopranos" and she is currently performing in several plays.

Miss September, Roshni Patel is studying to become a Nurse Anesthetist (C.R.N.A.).

Miss October, Alisha Haque is a financial advisor in New York.

Miss November, Mehak Bagai is a successful entrepreneur in the IT field based out of Texas and NY.

Miss December, Melissa Roy is a student at UCLA.

Based on all of the above facts Jaya, I think you should just give up this argument before you shoot yourself in the foot again.

All of this information is available if you go to the website for the calendar and if you purchase the calendar.

What you are doing is typical of ignorant people, who blindly criticize without giving anything a chance. It is quite embarrassing to read what you are saying, especially since you have not even looked at the actual calendar itself. You are stating everything based on your pre-dated view points and inconsequential, biased conclusions.

In short, before you criticize something, learn more about it. And this goes to the rest of you out there. I have been following this project from when they started shooting for it and the work Saroosh Gull and Ojas Vaidya have done here should be applauded for the courageous effort.

[Jaya Kamlani]

Irfan & Kalyan,

I stated earlier I did not want to argue about which generation is better, for each has so much to offer. As a writer, I am exposed to both young and old people. I am glad to hear that your models are attending college, or are professionals. But just ask yourself, would you like your sister to pose like that (i.e. if you have a sister), and when you marry, would you like your daughter to pose like that. If you say yes, then I rest my case.

The thing is that your intentions and Saroosh Gall's intentions may not be bad, as you say. After all you are just taking snapshots of a model. What I am worried about is what other men see in that photograph, and how these women can be persued or abused by others. If they are treated kindly, then I have no problem. So through this mode of communication I am trying to reach out to all young South Asian men. Please treat these young models and all young women you meet with kindness and respect as you would respect a cousin or a dear friend, and you will be respected in return.

And please don't think I am from the old school of thoughts. I have been a professional in business and technology, traveled much in my profession and am now a writer. I am a member of various American organizations, so please tell me how old fashioned can I be in my thinking? It's just that I care for our women and want to make sure they don't go on the wrong path.

The next time, could you perhaps produce a calendar of lovely exotic scenes that people might want to escape to. Sometimes having a beautiful scene on the wall is the next best thing to being there.

For all those who are reading this column, I wish you and yours a very Happy New Year.

-- Jaya Kamlani

[Jaya Kamlani]

Kalyan,

In response to your question, you will realize that as you grow older, each day's experience adds to your understanding of people and situations. Give yourself ten more years and then tell me what life has taught you. Experiences in life are great teachers. Ask any CEO or any professional what he/she has learnt in the last ten years, or even in the last year for that matter.

-- Jaya Kamlani

[Jaya Kamlani]

Irfan, one more thing I would like to add before I close the subject forever. And that is, you should not have published the names of these young women. That is being discourteous to them. Many women's rights organizations would have objected to your publishing their names. Perhaps you did not know about it. I hope no harm comes to them as a result of your publication. If you had just mentioned that these were women are educated and professionals, readers of this blog (including me) would have taken your word for it. This is not India. This is America where women's rights are important.

From hereon, if you or anyone poses any more questions to me regarding this issue, I shall NOT respond. I just want you to mull over all that I have said.

-- Jaya Kamlani

[Irfan Modi]

I hope that you don't respond anymore either, it will save us all a great deal of headache.

Are you kidding me? these girls names are public now because of the calendar. Again, if you had even bothered to look at the very thing that you are criticizing, you would have known that.

[Jaya Kamlani]

Irfan Modi, I wish you had not responded on behalf of Saroosh Gull, but now that you did, let me tell you something else. I did not intend to cause you or Saroosh any headaches. You have to remember that these are sensitive times in America. Young people are dying for our country in Iraq, and there are many families suffering in many wars in so many countries all over the globe. There have been so many natural disasters too. So you have to show you care for the people of this world. And this calendar does not do justice.

What I want you and Saroosh, his partner and your friends to do, is to give us a lovely calendar next year that will make the community truly proud of you. If you can do that I will be the first one to cheer you. Everyone makes a mistake now and then. I do too. But when we learn from our mistakes that's when we grow.

Meanwhile, I sincerely wish you all well. Let bygones be bygones. This is a new year.

-- Jaya Kamlani

[preeti maan]

Hey Saroosh

Would you have your daughter on this calendar

[Jaya Kamlani]

Thanks Preeti Maan for seconding me. For a while it seemed like I was the only Indian woman fighting for our cause. I know there are many out there who would like to be heard on this issue. Now I am glad I have company.

It is good we are discussing this issue. When we hit rock bottom in social values, the only way is up. My challenge to BOLLYWOOD is that they do NOT portray women as submissive, all dolled up, sexy or bitchy on the silver screen. There are many Indian women who are contributing to the economy of India and America and who have excelled in their careers. So to sterotype them as they have been doing does not do justice to women. Look at our lovely Indian women astronauts and the CEO of PepsiCo and our wonderful women lawyers and journalists, ....

I urge our Indian women to stand up to Bollywood and the image they portray of women, for they are still living in the middle ages when it comes to how they look upon us, else we will have to look for more women script writers, producers and directors. I don't watch Indian movies for this reason. Bollywood should come up with good stories that don't require exotic costumes, glamor, glitz and sex. This way the producers can save money too.

Jaya Kamlani

[Laughing...]

Movies that don't require exotic costumes, glamor, glitz or sex? Sure they'll save money on props, but they'll go broke because no one will WATCH the movies.

Quit whining because some girls decided to use their beauty to their advantage. They did this of their own free will, and guess what, people are snapping it up. So keep your promise to stop responding with your out of date ideas.

[Jaya Kamlani]

Mr. Laughing,
You can laugh all night long; it does not bother me at all. I am beyond that sensitivity. But on this Gandhi day, it would serve you well to laugh a little less. Learn something from our great leaders. Here is something worth reading. Perhaps twenty years from now you will remember me for this.

Mandela calls for Gandhi's non-violence approach - Yahoo! News
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070129/ts_nm/india_gandhi_mandela_dc

India's leader says all must heed Gandhi
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070130/ap_on_re_as/india_gandhi

Remember Mr. Laughing, if others sink, you don't have to jump onto the same ship and sink along with them.

Jaya Kamlani