Tonight, my performance is dedicated to Usha Maa: Rani KoHEnur

A queen of many firsts, singer-actor Sushant Divgikar aka Rani KoHenur took Kolkata by storm at the Kitty Su Royale Kolkata edition on Saturday evening at The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata. Belting out the 70s hits like Aa Jaane-Jaan, Aaj Ki Raat, Jhoom Jhoom Baba and Pari Hoon Main, Rani floored the crowd with her charismatic stage presence. The singer-actor, who also holds a degree in psychology, also wears her heart on sleeve, chatted with CT ahead of her performance about her trans journey, love for saris, the support she has received from her parents and her love for Kolkata’s mishti doi.
‘Therapy helps with the transformation’
According to the singer, therapy plays a crucial role in the transitioning and eases the process. “Mental health and therapy is very important. We’ve taken it for granted. Just like with a recurring cough and cold, one shouldn’t self-medicate, but rather visit the doctor, the same applies to mental health. It should be as simple as that. There should be no shame in that and neither should it be considered an elitist thing.” She believes therapy should be made more accessible, and how she has been working in that direction. “Through my foundation, we’re offering free mental health services to trans people, especially to those transitioning to help ease dysphoria and dysmorphia,” she added.
‘Never thought I’d headline a Navratri show’
When asked about being a first in so many feats, Rani shared how everything starts with believing. “I’d never have believed that I’d headline a Navratri event that too at the prime of my career. I’m doing this at a time where people are still looked down upon for their gender,” said Rani, adding, “One needs to learn to enjoy the art. I don’t sing for the eyes; I sing for the ears.”
‘I owe all my courage to my parents’
Speaking about her journey, Rani told us that she owes it all to her parents. “Whether biological, emotional, spiritual, physical or psychosomatic, I owe everything to my parents. It has been such a roller coaster ride for me as a human of trans experience,” said Rani, adding, “My father is a rockstar. He always stressed on education & sports which taught me sportsman spirit & never giving up.”

A duet with Usha Uthup
Rani KoHEnur & Usha Uthup treated the audience to Kaisi Paheli Zindgani. “I’ve known her from the time she was a kid & I always wondered how powerful her voice is,” said Uthup about Rani. ‘Tonight, my performance is a gift to Usha maa for all the years that she’s given to us,” said Rani.

Thank you for the music
The highlight of the evening was the high-energy performance by Rani KoHEnur and Usha Uthup, along with other dance performances. The audience was seen shaking a leg to the music while many members of the queer community showed up, dressed their best, to cheer the drag queen.
Quotes:
"Kolkata has never judged me & no one here has asked me whether I’m a woman or a man or a trans person. Kolkata is very appreciative"- Rani KoHEnur
"As a trans person, it’s empowering for me to see how trans people are making their place everywhere even in the police force"-Rani KoHEnur