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Sushant Divgikar / Rani Ko-HE-Nur profile imageSushant Divgikar / Rani Ko-HE-Nur & Sushant Divgikar / Rani Ko-HE-Nur

"If someone can't appreciate my art without attaching a label to it, that's their loss," shares Sushant Divgikar. How did years of judgment affect the artist?

Art over identity: Sushant Divgikar calls for a focus beyond gender prefixes

Why should we refer to someone as a “transgender singer” or a “non-binary dancer”? An artist is an artist, asserts Sushant Divgikar, aka Rani Ko-HE-Nur

If I go back to some of my earliest memories, I knew that performing was my calling. I remember being five years old, dressed as Raveena Tandon, dancing to a hit song from Mohra on my school’s annual day! That moment was electric, and the stage felt like home. Today, at 34, having performed thousands of shows around the world,I still feel the same rush of excitement every time I step into the spotlight.

However, it hasn’t always been easy for me. Growing up, the burden of societal expectations, particularly around academics and gender roles, started to weigh me down. For a while, I stepped back from the stage, feeling the pressure to conform to what a “boy” should be like. But my parents—especially my father—noticed something was wrong. When I shared my struggles with them, they didn’t just listen; they empowered me. My father’s words still resonate: “Why shouldn’t you sing? You sing damn bloody well. Tell your teacher to meet us if she has a problem.” Those words gave me the strength to pursue my passion unapologetically.

My parents are the wind beneath my wings, and I am endlessly grateful to them for their support. 

Sushant Divgikar, aka Rani Ko-HE-Nur, always knew that being a performer was her calling

Sushant Divgikar, aka Rani Ko-HE-Nur, always knew that being a performer was her calling

Rani's journey to recognition was anything but conventional

Rani's journey to recognition was anything but conventional

My Road to Recognition–Hustle, Heart, and Hitting High Notes

My journey to recognition was anything but conventional. As a teenager, I hustled hard, performing in bars and nightclubs even when I wasn’t yet of legal age to work, just to get my voice heard. I sang, danced, and hosted, often just to make ends meet; this hustle didn’t go unnoticed. One of my biggest breaks came when the legendary singer Usha Uthup noticed my voice and gave me the opportunity to perform at her show at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai. I sang Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You and Aretha Franklin’s Natural Woman, earning a standing ovation that, at the age of 18, felt like pure magic.

From thereon, the bookings began rolling in—at private shows, weddings, birthday parties, you name it. Eventually, back then, I was one of the most booked live artists in town. I never forgot those who gave me a chance when I was starting out; I still perform for them, sometimes for free, because gratitude is at the heart of everything I do.

My big break into mainstream media came with a national reality TV singing show. I became the first drag artist to appear on Indian prime-time television, winning the Golden Buzzer and a place in the top 10. Through my art, I found a way into people’s homes and hearts across the country and the world. My journey took a monumental turn when I met my guru, Sona Mohapatra, who, along with her husband, Ram Sampath, has been a guiding force in my career. We recently worked together on a track for the Netflix series Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper, and I made my Bollywood playback debut alongside Sunidhi Chauhan. I’m currently working on projects that push me out of my comfort zone, and I love every challenging minute of it.

Rani with her father

Rani with her father

Rani with her mother

Rani with her mother

Stage or Screen? I Choose Both

The stage and the big screen both hold equal allure for me. I believe that true artistry is honed on the stage and then brought to life on a 70mm screen. My background in musical theatre has been a gift; performing Shakespeare with song-and-dance routines, especially in The Merchant of Venice adaptation by Vickram Kapadia—where I introduced drag to the production—has been one of my most cherished experiences. I often joke that I’m a producer’s dream because I’m a “triple threat”—I sing, act, and dance, so they get a great deal without needing extra workshops!

Art is Beyond Labels

Throughout my 18 years as an artist, I’ve faced judgment based on my gender identity and sexual orientation. It’s sad, really—sad not for me, but for those who can’t see beyond these labels. I don’t let their judgement define me. Art transcends barriers, and I’m here for a bigger purpose—spreading love and joy through my work. If someone can’t appreciate my art without attaching a label to it, that’s their loss, not mine.

Why should we refer to someone as a “transgender singer” or a “non-binary dancer”? An artist is an artist—plain and simple. When I sing, I sing for everyone, not just for one group based on their gender or orientation. This labelling is not only unnecessary but also takes away from the artistry itself.

Rani's journey took a monumental turn when she met her guru, Sona Mohapatra

Rani's journey took a monumental turn when she met her guru, Sona Mohapatra

One of the biggest breaks for Rani came when  singer Usha Uthup noticed her voice and gave her the opportunity to perform at her show at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai

One of the biggest breaks for Rani came when singer Usha Uthup noticed her voice and gave her the opportunity to perform at her show at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai

Creating Opportunities for Queer Artists

I’m unabashed, unapologetic, and therefore, undisputed. Over the years, I’ve noticed that some people just can’t handle my light, so they try to diminish it. But trying to dim the sun is a foolish endeavour. I’ve worked tirelessly to build my art and persona, and no amount of negativity will change that. In fact, by breaking glass ceilings, I’m opening doors for others, even those who might not like or support me. As I continue to work on groundbreaking projects, including my Hollywood debut, my success and visibility are paving the way for a more inclusive industry. I’ve learned to unapologetically be myself, and in doing so, I’m shaking the ground beneath the feet of those who try to bring me down.

As I reflect on my journey, I’m proud of the legacy I’m building. From radio to Bollywood, from television to Hollywood—there’s no stopping. To those who are hesitant to take a chance on me, remember this: I’m tempestuous, but if we’re on the same side, we’ll win together. 

Also Read: From Kajal Bhai in Hum Paanch to Rekha, the queer icons who made the LGBTQ community feel seen

Also Read: Working in nightlife grants queer folx in India agency, but it isn’t without its pitfalls

Also Read: Two decades after India’s first Pride march, the queer community's fight for recognition continues


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