How A Former Mr. Gay India Transforms Into India’s Sexiest Drag Queen

A pictorial look at the transformation of Sushant Divgikar to Rani Ko-HE-Nur.

Drag queens may still seem like an alien concept in a country like India where homosexuality is still taboo (despite Section 377 being struck down). Traditional Indian dances have long seen men dress up as women and cross-dressing is rampant in mainstream Bollywood, yet when it comes to drag queens, how many names can you recollect? And no, Govinda in Aunty No. 1 doesn’t count.

To give you an idea of what it's like to be a drag queen, we went behind the scenes at Alaska Thunderfuck’s (yep, that’s a real stage name, google it, NSFW obvs) maiden gig in India. Having won RuPaul’s Drag Race, Alaska came to India to perform her very popular, interestingly titled songs such as ‘Anus’ and ‘Pussy’ for Kitty Su’s LGBTQ celebration. Opening for Alaska was India’s very own Rani Ko-HE-Nur, the drag avatar of Sushant Divgikar, a maverick known to us normies as model, actor, singer, reality TV star, pageant winner and more. Through our lens watch this gifted performer transform into a glamorous diva.

That before picture

Kicking off the transformation

And you thought contouring was just for women

When you realise you don’t need to be Kim K to up that contouring game

The eye shadow is straight out of a YT tutorial you can’t replicate at home

WIP

With eye lashes this luscious, it’s hard not to channel your inner diva

Mirror mirror on the wall…

Make up that extends to the neck and chest

Hair in place, it’s time to don the final outfit

Did someone say fierce?

Strike a pose

Strike many poses

Opening for Alaska Thunderfuck

Rani in her element

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are independent views solely of the author(s) expressed in their private capacity and do not in any way represent or reflect the views of 101India.com.

By Shibani Sharma
Photographs by: Yash Bandi