Kalpa Media House | Mumbai |
Artist, drag performer, and activist Rani KoHEnur (Sushant Divgikar) has ignited widespread conversation following a candid and unfiltered appearance on the podcast InControversial with Pooja Chaudhri, where they delivered a sharp critique of the Transgender Amendment Bill, questioned systemic gaps in policymaking, and called out performative allyship within the entertainment industry.
In a conversation that blended personal storytelling with political commentary, Rani described the bill as regressive and fundamentally disconnected from the lived realities of the transgender community. They said, “This bill is absolutely absurd because it takes away from what the NALSA judgement gave us. We were one of the first countries to recognize transgender identity with dignity, and now you’re taking that away. If it’s about me, it should not be without me. Don’t make my identity political – this is a human rights issue.”
They went on to question the priorities of lawmakers, highlighting what they described as a disconnect between policy focus and ground realities. “Have you rectified your rape laws? Have you fixed child trafficking? There are so many real issues people are dealing with every single day, and this is what you choose to focus on. Why are you so concerned about our bodies instead of the actual problems in the country?”
Calling out the lack of representation in policymaking, Rani emphasized the structural imbalance in decision-making spaces. They highlighted, “There are only men making laws – for women, for transgender people, for entire communities. Where is our representation? At least consult the people you’re making these laws for. You cannot decide our existence without us being part of that conversation.”
One of the most striking moments of the interview came when they directly addressed those responsible for passing the bill and said, “I would genuinely ask the ministers who passed this bill – are you high? Because I cannot understand how decisions like this are being made when they so clearly ignore reality, dignity, and basic human rights.”
Beyond policy, Rani also turned their attention to the entertainment industry, criticizing what they described as selective advocacy and performative support for the LGBTQIA+ community. And they emphasized, “They make films on our lives, they tell our stories, they profit from our narratives for entertainment. But when the time comes to actually stand up and speak, they go silent. Their backbone disappears. You cannot celebrate us on screen and abandon us in real life.”
The conversation also explored their journey as an artist, where they reframed drag as a powerful and inherently political medium. They said, “Drag is not just entertainment – it is political, it is a revolution. It’s an art form that allows you to challenge norms, to exist loudly, and to take up space in a world that constantly tries to erase you.”
Reflecting on their personal evolution, Rani spoke about discovering their voice and navigating a path that has taken them from private practice to public stages. Rani said, “I discovered I could sing in the bathroom, when I didn’t even know how people around me would react. From there to performing for thousands of people, to being on global platforms – it’s been a journey shaped by resilience, gratitude, and constantly pushing boundaries.”
Closing on a message of solidarity and hope, Rani addressed members of the community who may be struggling with identity, acceptance, and support.“To anyone who feels like they are alone you are not. That’s what I stand for, that’s what my work stands for. No policy, no bill, no system can erase who you are. The future is bright, and we are not going anywhere.”
The episode has quickly gained traction for its unapologetic tone and powerful messaging, positioning Rani KoHEnur as one of the most vocal and influential voices at the intersection of art, identity, and activism in India today.
In Controversial Today is a podcast platform featuring bold and unfiltered conversations with voices shaping contemporary culture and public discourse.
Link to the podcast – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XAYyL_bnBU
Contact us for News and Advertising: Whatsapp 9008761663, 9481252093 – info@kalpa.news
