The Unforgettable Chapal Rani: The man who became one of India’s greatest stage queens
Chapal Bhaduri, a man with a mesmerizing stage presence, reigned as the ‘queen’ of jatra, a traditional Bengali theatre form. Playing female roles, Bhaduri captivated audiences with his elegance and poise, defying societal norms.
A new book, ‘Chapal Rani: The Last Queen of Bengal’, penned by Sandip Roy, chronicles Bhaduri’s life, tracing his journey from stardom to obscurity. The book offers a peek into a world where gender was an act, and male actors, known as purush ranis, dominated female roles.Born in 1939, Bhaduri’s femininity was ‘always a part of me’, he said. With a flair for drama, he transformed into queens, courtesans, and goddesses, earning admiration for his authenticity.
His performances were immersive, not caricatures, and carried a different weight in a culture where queer-coded characters were often ridiculed.Off stage, Bhaduri’s life was complex, and he didn’t openly identify as gay due to societal pressures. Yet, he received affectionate letters and proposals, and his long-term relationship lasted over three decades. Chapal Rani’s story is a testament to the power of performance and the blurred lines between reality and art.
