When it comes to singing competitions, you’ve probably heard of The Voice, The X factor, Eurovision and Indian Idol. Few in the Indian diaspora are aware that right now, drag queens from around the world are competing in a global singing competition for the title of ‘Queen of the Universe‘. And representing India on the singing show is Sushant Divgikr, better known by their drag name Rani Ko-He-Nur, who has quickly become an audience favourite.
I am obsessed with Rani KoHeNur like omg
— ✨Fran✨ (@Frandelamina) December 22, 2021
The first season of Queen of the Universe hosted by Graham Norton and judged by Leona Lewis, Trixie Mattel, Michelle Visage, and Vanessa Williams premiered on 2 December this year.
A global cast of drag queens from USA, UK, France, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, and more must produce and perform their versions of famous songs before a live audience; who will vote to either keep or eliminate the queens from the competition.
All the participants write their own lyrics and produce original tracks (FYI).
So far, Rani’s vocals and performances have caught the attention of viewers and they are on track to win the title of ‘Queen of the Universe’ if they make it through the semifinals.
View this post on Instagram
I’ve heard a lot of singers in my time but #ranikohenur hit my W😮W button! #QueenOfTheUniverse #rupaulsdragrace take note. #India next? There’s so much talent here 🇮🇳
— Author Amit Anand (@AuthorAmitAnand) December 12, 2021
OMG. They ALL had their moments. Wonderful writing and catchy compositions. Damn that Man and Back Off Bitch I’ve watched about 20 times each already. Hope they get produced and released as singles. @AdaVox @AriaBCassadine @gragqueen #RaniKoHEnur
— Drag the World (@dragtheworld) December 21, 2021
Okay but @AdaVox and #RaniKoHeNur are eating the girls up!!! #QueenOfTheUniverse
— LazLazLaziana (@lazrockstheend) December 18, 2021
Rani is a well-known celebrity in India, the talented multi-hyphenate (drag queen/actor/model/singer/dancer/psychologist/motivational speaker/writer) won Mr Gay India in 2014 and was the first participant from the queer community to be in the top 15 of the Indian singing show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in 2018.
They were also a contestant in India’s popular reality show Big Boss’s season 8.
A Mumbaikar born to Goan Konkani parents, they were born and raised in Bandra West.
what rani kohenur is doing is so big deal, because the amount of prejudice and discrimination india has on the queer community is outrageous
— Criztoffer Fucking Rockwell (@crztxfr) December 18, 2021
While homosexuality has been decriminalised in India by law, societal stigma surrounding LGBTQ+ people is yet to be fully addressed. Some look at Sushant Divgikr/Rani KoHeNur’s participation on Queen of the Universe as a major win for the country’s queer community.
Oh, hey! It’s DOWN TO THE WIRE now!
Tomorrow, the semi-finals of #QueenOfTheUniverse will be available to stream!@gragqueen , @AriaBCassadine , Rani Kohenur, and I will find out which fabulous queen will join us in the top 5 showdown to see who will make it into the finale! pic.twitter.com/tE6KtsUsiG— #TeamAda (@AdaVox) December 22, 2021
Tonight, in episode 5, another queen will join Rani KoHeNur and others in the semifinals. Tune in to see if India’s Rani will be the first ‘Queen of the Universe’.
READ ALSO: Advocate Saurabh Kirpal could be India’s first gay HC judge
