In pictures: Queer performers slay at the Ultimate Drag Christmas Eve fundraiser
Rani KoHEnur headlined the event at The Lalit Great Eastern, organised by Kolkata Pride and Kitty Su
By
Vedant Karia |
Published 19.12.23, 04:36 PM
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With Kolkata sparkling below, Sushant Divgikr, aka Rani KoHEnur, illuminated the rooftop of The Lalit Great Eastern, kicking off the Ultimate Drag Christmas Eve fundraiser, organised by Kolkata Pride and Kitty Su
Photos: Soumyajit Dey
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“Nama-slay Kolkata! This is the first time I have seen a Pride Flag right on the main road of a city, and props to Kolkata for being so full of life,” said Rani, before they enthralled audiences with songs like ‘Pari Hoon Main’, ‘I Will Survive’ and ‘Kaisi Paheli Zindagani’
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Rani lauded model Ushoshi Sengupta for being a supportive ally to the queer community through the years. “Kolkata Pride has taken up a huge space in the city, and kudos to Nil for creating this. Rani is one of the best performers in the country and I’m glad to have seen her life,” said Ushoshi
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Betta Naan Stop made the audiences dance along to ‘Lazy Lamhe’ and ‘Asalaam-e-Ishqum’. “Mr Keshav [Suri], the Lalit Group, and Nil make this lovely Pride December possible every year. I’m really excited for the march,” she said
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Dr. John came from Bangalore to perform, mesmerising the audience with their moves
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Zeesh moved everyone with their powerful monologue about what it means to be beautifully queer. “We create our reality, draped in flamboyance. My pain is not set in binary, and my depression is not a phase. I wake up and empower myself to survive another day,” they said
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Dame Imfala was a revelation in their glittering outfit, making a statement with their art
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It was Mx. Stallion’s first time in Kolkata, and they made it count by grooving to Freddie Mercury’s ‘Mr Bad Guy’. “I was overwhelmed by everyone’s love, and their cheers meant everything to me. The unity and energy is amazing,” they said
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Makeup artists (L-R) Sheldon Enrique Manuk and Karim danced till the night ended. “It was magical to witness Rani singing ‘Pari Hoon Main’ live,” exclaimed Karim. “Kitty Su makes you experience how ‘love is love’. No matter who you are or where you come from, there’s always a place for you under our rainbow,” added Sheldon
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(L-R) Suneha Saha, Rukshana Kapadia and Nil were all smiles to see Kolkata come together with Pride. “This night is to showcase the queer talents from across our country. We’ve had performers from Delhi, Bangalore and Bombay. Kolkata Pride is about claiming this space,” said Nil
![Betta Naan Stop made the audiences dance along to ‘Lazy Lamhe’ and ‘Asalaam-e-Ishqum’. “Mr Keshav [Suri], the Lalit Group, and Nil make this lovely Pride December possible every year. I’m really excited for the march,” she said](https://assets.telegraphindia.com/telegraph/2023/Dec/1702983821_4.jpg)
