"Q&A with Shreya & Manisha"

A CHRONICLE OF CONVERSATIONS

Here, I have tried to Chronicle certain aspects, instances and occurrences while I have been travelling. All conversations and events have been put up as it took place and has been put forth from my point of view. I don't expect or ask of anyone to agree with my POV. OK.

RED FIRE CLUB - KATHMANDU, Aug 07
"During my recent visit to Kathmandu- Nepal, my friends took me to visit some Bars with live Dancers in Thamel. After entering, we had asked for the manager to send some of the dancers to our table for drinks. This conversation takes place with two Working Girls, Shreya & Manisha." (After talking for sometime, I took their personal permission to ask them a few questions so as to understand their Working Environment. They Agreed in return for loads of drinks) - Language translated from Nepali to English.

A- Where are you from?
S- We are from chitwan. Came here to work 8 months ago.

A- I thought you guys have been working here for quite some time now.
M- No no... We only came to Kathmandu because life in chitwan is damn slow. Small town.

A- So how did you manage to get into dance bars... its not all that great I guess?
M- Actually, one girl had come visiting her parents in our village from here. We were acquaintances earlier. During her visit, she had told us about work in Kathmandu. First we were apprehensive, but she did assure us that it was safe working as a dancer. So we decided to apply, and here we are.

A- you mentioned SAFE, how so?
S- You see, when we met the Sauji (owner), he told us the timing and gave us a few rupees to buy Striper Outfits, and gave us a joining date. Also, he told us to keep expressions and playfulness to strict limits during the bar timing. After the bar closes...
M- what we do is entirely upto us. So you see there is actually no pressure from the Sau that we have to make our guests happy. Yes, he does encourage us to talk and mingle with guest but nothing more. Rest is upto us. S- like you see, you called us to your table, have shown proper courtesy to us.... and in fact have talked to us and asked us proper questions... it means a lot and we don't mind answering your question?

A- Are you sure, coz I was hesitating to ask certain overt questions thinking it might offend you guys?
(Both Laughing)...you see, this is what i mean, you are worried as to not to offend us. That’s too much respect we'll ever get for some time from guests. (Sombre smiles)

A- What’s the pay like here?
S/M= we get rs.100 per day + commission on the drinks that we have and personal tips from guests.

A- that basically means that whatever drinks you both have ordered sitting with us here, you get a commission on that!!
S- Yes. Also, you have to look at the drinks we have ordered. We only ask for Red Wine, Tequila or Red Bull.... because they are rs.350 compared to others which are rs.250 or lower. In the end of the month, Sauji analyses our total tally of these drinks and measures our performance based on that. If a girl doesn't reach a certain target, she'll be fired. ....
M- ....but we don't have to worry about that as we are Dancers, it’s the Hostess that has to worry about things like these target.

A- So what is the difference between a dancer and a hostess??
M- A dancer is paid extra in some respect and is almost permanent, while Hostesses are hired according to the requirement of a bar. Generally, the Sau will hire one hostess per Table i.e. 30 girls for 30 tables in the restaurant....
S- There job is basically to sit and give company to the clients coming to the restaurant. But it's not done out of generosity, but so that they sit at the table and subtly keep ordering for themselves and for the clients. This way, she has to ensure that the client’s bill is more that what would have been otherwise. We only join clients when specifically asked for, and even then it’s our choice; but it’s a must for hostess.

A- What if a hostess is not pretty, or is not the conversing type... why would I for instance make her sit in my table at all, let alone order.
S- Well, that's why the Sau analyses the drinks tally in the end of the month, it will clearly show who's good and who need to go. Also a good and smart hostess, pretty or ugly, should have the tact to make the client feel that there might be an Afterhours scene by acting coy, shy, open and touchy-feely. The client starts ordering without thinking that its just smart play... not ALL have the Insight and Knowledge which we are giving you, do they!!!

A- so basically these girls INDICATE a lot of things to their client, without ever doing a thing. Like that guy on that table has his arms around that girls waist, and that girl over there is resting in the guys shoulders.... these are just smart play?
M- Yes. It’s all just a big Tease... the client thinks that the girl really likes him. But in reality, its just part of her job. You see... when a girl takes a job like this, she realizes it is not respectable in many aspects. But to continue working, we harden ourselves and our hearts to become a wall. We literally treat it as a JOB- 4p.m to 2a.m - during this period we pretend to be something we are not.... but once the lights come on... we simply say a polite goodbye to the client, pick our bags and go home. In a way it’s quite rude but we are not here to fulfil needs of others, we are here to make a living.

A- Have you ever liked a client as a person or gone out with anyone?
S- I have gone out a few times with guys, but I make sure to fix a date during the day. I expect to be taken out on a date as a Girl and not as a dancer. So if a guy is friendly and respects me in certain ways and buys me Clothes/ perfume/ gifts, I too would be smitten. Regarding your question, the Choice to go out is not due to NEED, but because I really want to go out personally. I can live well with what I earn here as it is.
M- I too have gone out a lot. A month ago, I actually managed to fall in love with a married guy. We went out quite a lot but now he has started ignoring me. Till a week ago, I was miserable and heartbroken. Of course I didn't expect him to leave his wife for me, but I think he got bored. It hurts more because he avoids me a lot and keeps me hanging. I’ve learnt my lesson and would be more careful in future from these slip ups.

A- I think I shall stop questioning now. I'll be leaving soon, so I shall sit and drink with you girls normally.
S- Yes, and when you come back to Kathmandu soon, we'll tell you interesting client gossips. Really interesting!!!

***Personal Note- Dance Bars sure doesn't add to the overall feel of Kathmandu, but I have no objection to the approx. 110 existing Bars employing nearly 5000 Girls. At least, they are empowered in their living and can support themselves. YOU or I shouldn't complain either, as WE wouldn't have supported a single girl if she had come to our door step for funds and long term support. These girls are equal to any other respectable girl i know. I do hope they lead a good life.

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