‘If men and women can play transgender roles, I can also play a straight man’: Sushant Divgikar aka Rani Ko-He-Nur on trans representation in films

From being a powerful voice for the LGBTQIA+ community in India to inspiring others to embrace their true selves, Sushant Divgikar aka Rani Ko-He-Nur is a force to reckon with. Sushant’s story shatters stereotypes and celebrates self-expression, but her rise to fame wasn’t exactly a cakewalk. In a country grappling with traditional gender roles, Sushant faced various transgressions, yet her determination to challenge the status quo and fierce advocacy for equal rights has made her a symbol of courage.

So, when indianexpress.com had the chance to interview Sushant Divgikar on the sidelines of Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI, where she turned muse for designer Mohit Rai’s brand ITRH, we delved right into her journey — from growing up as a queer kid in India to acting as a straight man in her new film ‘Thank You for Coming’. Excerpts:

Q. Growing up queer in India couldn’t have been easy — what challenges did you face?

Sushant Divgikar: I had the best childhood, all thanks to my parents, and no thanks to the films and people around. There wasn’t much sensitisation and advocacy happening to make people understand the nuances of humanity and the fact that different communities deserve equal, if not more, respect in any society. There was ridiculous representation of my community in mainstream media, which also added to the trauma and shame for many young queer individuals at the time. I am thankful that I had my family to support me through and through, but some kids didn’t, and some of them took rather drastic steps and even ended their lives because of constant bullying and harassment.

 

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Q. What do you think about representation in the film industry? Has it improved, and what is the way forward?

Sushant Divgikar: Representation in the industry in the 80s and 90s for marginalised communities was an absolute joke. Shame on everyone for creating such inhuman and degrading characters. None of them have come out and publicly apologised for creating traumatic and problematic characters in films. A lot of them are not with us now, but the trauma they have left an entire generation with is going to have very long-lasting impact.

Censor boards must edit these films that are still available for viewing, where they have dehumanised transgender people and people of varied sexual orientations, as well as people who are ridiculed for their skin colour, body shape, disabilities, and other characteristics that shouldn’t be made fun of and normalised.

Today, times are changing. Filmmakers as well as writers are more aware. Therefore, we are making better and more consumable content. There always will be exceptions to the rule in every generation, so yes, there are ridiculous scripts and senseless films written even today. No doubt! However, we have come a long way from the 90s, with regards to the representation of minorities on screen.

Q. How was your experience playing a straight man in your latest film ‘Thank You for Coming’?

Sushant Divgikar: It’s creating history, with me becoming the first transgender person to play a cisgender man, pre-op trans person, and drag queen, all while also singing in the same film as a playback singer and recording artist in India. This is something I consider my hard work and determination reaching fruition.

I want more people to understand that I’m an artist first and everything else later. As an actor and artist, we are taught to get under the skin of the character we play. So now that we have seen men and women suddenly want to play transgender characters more than ever, I have decided that not as a transgender person but as an artist first, I will also play all genders and all characters.

 

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Q. What drew you to the world of drag?

Sushant Divgikar: I love the drama and the maximalist nature of drag. I was immediately drawn to the world of drag because of its grandeur and larger-than-life nature. I’m glad I began doing drag performances, considering I created a legacy in a country where people had not even considered it as a profession.

Q. In the face of immense trolling, ingrained transphobia, how do you take care of your mental health? What does self-care look like for you?

Sushant Divgikar: I don’t pay attention to them anymore. That’s the best thing to do.

My job is straightforward: get up, go to work, entertain people, go back home, and sleep. What people think of me is their problem, not mine. My mental health has automatically improved by not caring about trolls. My free time is spent on honing my skills like practicing my art, doing riyaaz, and spending time with my family — my parents, my kids, my friends, and my boyfriend.

 

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Q. With more than 2 million followers on Instagram, what do you think helps you grow and connect with your audience?

Sushant Divgikar: I know this for a fact: my audience loves me because I’m authentic and I don’t pretend to be someone I’m not.

Q. What does fashion mean to you? How would you describe your personal style?

Sushant Divgikar: Fashion, to me, is wearing whatever you want to wear. Today, I might wear a sari, tomorrow a micro mini, and the day after pants and a shirt. Who is going to say anything, and even if they do, how and why should their opinion matter on how one must dress to express themselves?

 

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Q. How was your experience turning showstopper for ITRH at Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI?

Sushant Divgikar: Absolutely breathtaking! Mohit Rai is a dear friend, and when he asked me whether I’ll walk as his muse, I instantly agreed. I just got out of surgery, so I wasn’t in my best shape physically, but when you put a queen on stage, you know she’s bound to slay!

I also said yes to this wonderful collaboration because Mohit as a person has always been so glamorous, and through his brand ITRH, he has been so dramatic and over the top with the styles and designs. He can also be subtle, but the drama is what I love, live and die for!

Q. ITRH’s collection ‘TITI’ was inspired by Queen Nefertiti. Do you think you embody any characteristics from her persona?

Sushant Divgikar: I would say it was perfect casting. Every person that celebrates and glorifies their divine feminine in the most beautiful way is my type of person! Nefertiti was bold, strong, and fearless in her approach and life in general, so I always had a sense of familiarity with her and these characteristics. So, it’s apt that I would be the modern-day Nefertiti.

 

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Q. What is your advice to people who are still exploring their sexuality and identity? Subsequently, what would you tell your younger self?

Sushant Divgikar: I usually have no advice ever for the younger queers, but I only always tell them, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! You might feel so in certain circumstances, but you are not alone! Apart from that, hang in there and never give up. I won’t tell you all how to live your lives. That’s not my style, but what I will say is, LIVE! LOVE! LAUGH!

I would tell my younger self that I’m fantastic and that I’m going to do great things in the future and become a ray of sunshine for so many youngsters around the world.

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