gay prince of Rajpipla to host 'Sangeet Sammelan' in palace

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Manavendra Singh Gohil, the gay prince of Rajpipla, has decided to celebrate his 41st birthday on September 17 by organising a grand 'Sangeet Sammelan' in the royal palace.

Prince Manavendra, who was in the news after he made his homosexuality public recently in an interview to a vernacular daily, has reportedly roped in several prominent artistes, including noted Kathak dancer Dhiru Mistry and former Baroda Maharaja-turned-vocalist Ranjit Singh Gaekwad, to perform at the Darbar Hall of the Rajvant Palace.

Disclosing the plan to celebrate his birthday in the palace, Manavendra, who himself is scheduled to give a solo performance on the harmonium, said the objective of hosting such a music and art festival was aimed at promoting young artistes and revive the traditional tribal art of the region.

The festival is being organised by the Lakshya Trust, an NGO set up by Manavendra for spreading the gay movement in Gujarat. About 30 artistes and painters from different parts of Gujarat and other states are expected to take part in the programme.

Parents of Manavendra, who had disowned their only son and stripped of his title and right over the royal property after he publicly revealed that he was gay, have also reportedly agreed to attend their son's birthday function following a compromise on the issue.