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5 Classy And Sassy Indian Drag Queens Who Are Breaking Gender Stereotypes

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Images from hatchicsupergirl.blogspot.in, thebetterindia.com, dnaindia.com

These five drag queens from India have chosen performance art as a medium of self-expression and a way to provide a creative outlet for themselves

Text credits: Lakshmi Priya

The ‘drag queen’ may not be a very familiar performance art to the people of India. For those who don’t know, drag queens are men who usually dresses in hyper-feminised or gender non-conforming clothing. They provide entertainment to the people in various forms of singing, dancing, lip-syncing and many more by usually in a sarcastic manner. Even though the drag queens are usually associated with gay men, it is not generic. People from all sexualities stage these mainly for reasons like self-expression, transvestic fetishism, and even spiritual reasons. One of the main reasons for their lack of popularity can be because of the lack of artists performing in this art form, which can be due to certain predominant gender stereotypes prevalent in our country. But here, we have a list of drag queens from India who have broken the chains of stereotypes and trodden their path as drag queens to express themselves the best.

Alex Mathew (Mayamma)

Image source: The Better India

Born and brought up in Kerala, Alex Mathew is one among the few drag queen artists in India. His dream of performing in the Broadway eventually lead him to be a drag queen. A person who also wanted to do something out-of-the-box, Alex began his career as a drag queen in September 2014. Alex portrays his character ‘Mayamma’ (Mother of Magic) on the limelight as a simple yet outspoken, bold and strong-willed woman who fights for gender equality. Alex wanted his character to be relatable to the normal audience as well as a performance close to the LGBT community. Mayamma depicts the abuses women have to undergo in their life. While talking to the media about the misconceptions on drag queens Alex stated that Drag queen is not a performance art solely performed by gay men. In fact, men of all sexuality have been performing this art on stage. People have been mistaking Alex to be a member of LGBT community. Even though he is not, he is happy about the inspiration he shed out to them.

Rovin Sharma (Roveena Tampon)

Battling with masculinity and feminity, Rovin Sharma, born and brought in Haryana left his home in despair when he was 17 years old. Later, Rovin became an active LGBT member in Lalit group, working for the betterment of the community. Rovin Sharma transformed into Roveena Tampon when she first stepped on to the drag queen art after doing a lip sync performance in Kolkatta. Roveena’s performances started luring the audience at the famous Kitty Su nightclub that belongs to Keshav Suri. The character Roveena is a mixture of various qualities. She is the queen who is bold, classy at times and naughty.

Sushant Divgikar (Rani-Ko-HE-Nur)

Image source: twitter.com (@thedivasushant)

An actor, model, dancer, singer, video jockey, drag queen and what not! Bagged the title of Mr Gay 2014, Sushanth Divgikar has always been the face of LGBT community of India. Even though Sushant was performing drags in small scale for a long time, his performance at Kitty Su, in front of the internationally popular drag queen ‘Violet Chachki’ changed his life. From then on, Sushanth is regularly featuring as Rani-Ko-He-Nur at all the Kitty Su chains of nightclubs. Sushant flawlessly carries off Rani-Ko-He-Nur in a traditional and royal lehenga choli as well as in sexy lingerie. Rani is outspoken, sassy and absolutely unapologetic for being herself.

Ayush and Ikakshu

Image source: hindustantimes.com

Ayush and Ikakshu mostly perform together because they both are good friends and lawyers by profession and who fiercely broke the misconceptions about drag queens. Ikakshu appears in his drag queen character ‘Kushboo’, a young and confident woman who challenges gender stereotypes. Whereas Ayush does the role of ‘Lush monsoon’, a free-spirited bohemian woman. The duo from Delhi had this idea of performing as drag queens ever since studying in law school together. Now, they have unimaginably conquered the hearts of people as fearless drag queens.

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Motherhood in Vogue :Deepika Padukone’s Stunning Maternity Photoshoot

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Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child, due later this month. In anticipation of this joyous milestone, the couple recently shared a series of heartwarming photos from their pregnancy photoshoot. The pictures beautifully capture mom-to-be Deepika flaunting her baby bump, while others showcase the couple sharing joyful moments, their smiles wide and laughter contagious.

In the photos, Deepika stuns in various outfits. She rocks mom jeans paired with a lacy bra and cardigan in the first few shots, exuding casual elegance. In another set, she channels her inner boss lady in a sleek black pantsuit. A third look features Deepika in a see-through maxi dress, where she is captured twirling and lost in thought. For her final look, she dons a black, see-through bodycon dress, posing alongside her husband Ranveer in a series of intimate and stylish shots. The couple captioned their post with a few simple emojis, but that was enough to ignite a flurry of reactions from fans.

Deepika and Ranveer first announced their pregnancy on February 29, just before attending Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding bash in Jamnagar. Their announcement featured a postcard with the word “September” and adorable drawings of baby accessories. Following the news, Deepika faced criticism and accusations of faking her baby bump. However, with this stunning photoshoot, she has gracefully silenced her detractors, proving once again that she is in full command of her narrative.

 

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Architecture

Creating a Cozy Living Room: Tips for Comfort and Style

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Your living room is more than just a space for entertaining; it’s a sanctuary where you unwind, relax, and spend quality time with loved ones. Creating a cozy living room involves a blend of comfort and style that makes the space inviting and functional. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect balance:

Choose the Right Furniture

Start with furniture that combines comfort and functionality. Opt for a plush sofa with deep cushions, perfect for lounging. Consider adding a cozy armchair or a recliner for additional seating. Make sure the furniture arrangement promotes conversation and allows for easy movement throughout the room.

Layer Your Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. Use a mix of lighting sources to create a warm ambiance. Combine overhead lights with floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces. For added coziness, incorporate dimmers or smart bulbs that let you adjust the brightness to suit different times of day and activities.

Add Textures with Throws and Pillows

Textures are key to a cozy living room. Layer different fabrics, such as soft throw blankets, plush pillows, and textured rugs. Choose fabrics like wool, velvet, and cotton that add warmth and comfort. Mix and match patterns and colors to create visual interest and a personalized touch.

Incorporate Warm Colors

Color influences the feel of a room. Opt for warm, neutral tones like beige, taupe, or soft gray for a calming effect. Accents in rich colors like deep blues, earthy greens, or warm terracotta can add depth and coziness. Use these colors in your furniture, accessories, and wall decor.

Use Rugs to Define Spaces

Rugs can help define different areas within a living room and add a layer of warmth underfoot. Choose a rug that complements your furniture and adds softness to the space. A large area rug can anchor the room, while smaller rugs can be used to highlight specific areas, like a reading nook or conversation zone.

 Incorporate Natural Elements

Bring the outdoors in by incorporating natural elements. Plants not only add a touch of greenery but also improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents or snake plants if you’re not an avid gardener. Wooden furniture or decor pieces can also add a natural, grounded feel to the room.

Personalize with Artwork and Décor

Add personality to your living room with artwork and decorative items that reflect your style. Choose pieces that resonate with you, whether it’s family photos, abstract art, or vintage finds. Arrange decor items in groups to create visual interest and avoid clutter.

Create a Focal Point

A focal point helps draw the eye and creates a sense of balance in the room. This could be a fireplace, a statement piece of art, or a stylish coffee table. Arrange your furniture and decor around this focal point to enhance the room’s overall cohesion and appeal.

Invest in Quality Window Treatments

Window treatments can impact both the look and feel of your living room. Opt for curtains or blinds that provide privacy while allowing natural light to filter through. Choose fabrics that complement your decor and add texture, such as linen or velvet.

Add Personal Touches

Finally, make the space truly yours by adding personal touches. Incorporate items that have sentimental value or reflect your interests and hobbies. Whether it’s a collection of travel souvenirs, a beloved quilt, or unique decorative objects, these elements will make your living room feel more inviting and personal.

By thoughtfully combining these elements, you can create a cozy living room that serves as a comfortable retreat and a stylish gathering place for friends and family. Enjoy the process of making your space uniquely yours and revel in the comfort and warmth it provides.

 

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People

JLO’s Bridgerton Themed Birthday Bash

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There are two types of diamonds in the Bridgerton universe: the diamond of the season and the queen who selects it. Without a doubt, Jennifer Lopez belongs to the latter group.

JLO brought Bridgerton to life this past weekend in the Hamptons, where she threw an amazing event to celebrate turning 55. The celebration featured a live orchestra and a horse-drawn carriage, among other features more commonly found at social gatherings in the early 1800s. Naturally, Lady Whistletown was not prepared for the glitzy Regency-era attire either. 

In her first ensemble designed by Manish Malhotra, she looked downright royal in a stunning light blue ball gown with a bodice piece that had off-the-shoulder cuffs and gilded diamond-shaped embroidery. The gown was worn over a full skirt that was embroidered with larger-than-life gold floral motifs.

Lopez wore few accessories and let the dress do the talking because of how grand the ensemble was. She chose stud earrings, a basic pendant necklace, and sheer white opera gloves. She had a gold laurel crown in her hair.

Jennifer transformed into something a bit more fluid later in the evening, which made it easier for her to move around the dance floor and interact with other attendees. This second dress was a gauzy moss-green number with a sequined floral bust, and it too had an off-the-shoulder neckline.

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