‘I cried like a baby’

Is the art of drag a part of Indian culture?

Drag as an art form has been prevalent in our country since the beginning of time. We have had instances where men have donned the characters/costumes/roles of women and have performed in the courts of our kings, queens and even Gods. Even in Indian traditional folk and classical dances, men get into elaborate costumes and make-up and perform as women and vice- versa.

Tell us about your drag avatar?

My drag queen avatar, Rani Ko-He-Nur is an eclectic super queen, who believes in diversity and performs everything from jazz, hip-hop, pop, R&B to Bollywood numbers to semi-classical and folk. She does high kicks in short skirts and cartwheels in sarees, while not missing a note while singing.

What is the story behind Rani Ko-He-Nur?

I had the pleasure of performing with some internationally acclaimed pop culture icons and I thank Keshav Suri for this. He only gave me this name and said you have to be known as Rani Ko-He-Nur. The Kohinoor is spelt with ‘He’ in my drag name because after everything is said and done, when Rani gets out of drag, she becomes Sushant and He is the one who is responsible for embodying Rani.

You had performed in SaReGaMaPa show in your drag avatar. How was the response?

Through Rani, I broke several barriers. I have smashed the glass ceiling so that the queens and performers that belong to the LGBTQ+ community are respected and not just used for comic relief or as a joke.

Sushant Divgikar and Rani Ko-He- Nur. How do you handle them both?

Well, it gets really hard sometimes. Many people tend to call me Rani when I’m Sushant and Sushant when I’m in Rani’s get up. It’s quite funny, but I never get annoyed.

What was your first reaction when you came to know that you have been selected to be in the Forbes Asia 30 under 30 list?

When I heard that I was on the list, I literally fell to the ground and cried like a baby, because I’ve had to endure a lot to be here. It hasn’t been the easiest ride but it has been worth it.

Tell us more about your sense of fashion?

My style is very eclectic. I’m not bound to any particular look or fashion trend. As I love to experiment, so one day you will see me in a T-shirt and joggers at an event and the other day you will see me in a three-piece suit. Sometimes you will see me in a ganji and shorts and sometimes even in a dhoti-kurta.

How are you spending your time in this period of self-isolation?

I tried cooking but I nearly burnt the house, so my mother has banned me from getting into the kitchen. As I was in Bigg Boss Season 8 and survived for two months, this is not such a big deal. I think everyone needs to follow this lockdown and exercise social distancing.

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