Explore Drag Culture in India with These Drag Queens & Kings

Drag culture in India is thriving, with queens dazzling audiences with their wigs, outfits, and performances. But the art of blurring gender lines on stage isn’t new; it has deep roots in India’s history. Long before RuPaul’s Drag Race, Indian performers embraced gender-fluid roles in royal courts and folk traditions. Art forms like jatra in the east and lavani in Maharashtra featured men performing as women, keeping the tradition alive.

However, colonial rule brought rigid gender norms, suppressing these performances. Despite this, drag culture in India is reclaiming its space, celebrating artistry and self-expression like never before!

Today’s Indian drag queens are a diverse bunch. Unlike their Western counterparts, who often rely on pop culture references and comedy, Indian drag incorporates the rich tapestry of the country’s culture and heritage. These performers are not just entertainers; they are activists pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. Of course, they face challenges, from social stigma to a lack of dedicated performance spaces. Yet, their growing popularity, particularly online, is fostering a more inclusive and accepting environment.

Here’s a look at some of the queens/kings ruling the drag scene in India:

Durga Gawde

Known for her fierce presence and unapologetic demeanor, Durga Gawde, also called DG, draws inspiration from her namesake, the Hindu goddess of power. For DG, drag is not just about performance but about embodying feminine energy and strength. As the first drag king of India, she sees herself as a pioneer, shaping the future of drag and queer culture in the country and beyond. Her journey in drag has been profoundly transformative, helping her find a sense of family and unconditional love within her chosen community, despite challenges from her biological family. Through her art and resilience, she encourages others to embrace self-love and authenticity.

Suruj, known by the stage name Glorious Luna, shines bright like the moon in the world of drag. Embodying confidence and boldness on stage, Luna’s persona departs from her introverted nature offstage. Pride, for Luna, is about respect and equality, advocating for greater visibility and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community in society. As an artist, Luna believes in the power of representation to foster understanding and support for marginalized groups, urging individuals to create safe spaces for everyone to express themselves authentically.

Patruni Sastry

Patruni Chidananda Sastry, originating from a lineage deeply rooted in South Indian traditions but raised in Kharagpur with influences from South Indian and Bengali cultures, found solace and self-expression through Indian classical dance. Despite societal norms, Patruni navigated the complexities of gender identity through dance, embracing the freedom and fluidity it offered. From a young age, the stage became a sanctuary where gender boundaries dissolved, allowing Patruni to explore and embody various expressions without judgment.

Inspired by the iconic Lady Gaga, Gentleman Gaga, or GG, channels creativity and self-expression through drag. For GG, drag offers a sense of empowerment and limitless potential, transcending boundaries and embracing individuality. Whether in drag or in everyday life, GG remains true to themselves, finding strength in self-acceptance. Through their journey, GG encourages others to embrace their struggles with confidence and sass, viewing pride as celebrating freedom and honoring the diversity within the community.

Prateek, known as Bettanaanstop, finds liberation and confidence through drag, shedding inhibitions and embracing self-expression. While initially finding comfort in their drag persona, Prateek ultimately discovers that true growth comes from within, cultivating confidence and self-love. Pride, for Bettanaanstop, is about embracing individuality and celebrating diversity despite societal challenges and prejudices. Through their art and resilience, Bettanaanstop advocates for greater acceptance and understanding, challenging societal norms and promoting self-celebration for all.

The story of drag in India is one of resilience, adaptation, and self-expression. From the royal courts to reality TV, drag queens are captivating audiences and carving out a unique space within the country’s rich cultural landscape. As India embraces its vibrant LGBTQIA+ community, the future of drag in the government promises to be as dazzling and diverse as the queens themselves.