Maya, Rani Ko-HE-Nur, Veronique, Laila Gulabi, Lush Monsoon, Manghoe Lassi. Guess what does this all mean? No, not an object but definitely more than a universe in itself. These are some of India’s most famous Drag Queens. Yes, you heard it right. Drag. Queens. And “they are killing the scene” is a very small phrase in front of these amazing people. India has been starting and booming up in the drag culture arena. It might be small but they are in it for good.
The world had drag much before that but RuPaul’s Drag Race brought everything to the forefront. RuPaul is one of the most famous drag queens ever and one very famous line by RuPaul is, “When you become the image of your own imagination, it’s the most powerful thing you could ever do.” The line in itself holds so much of meaning and inspiration to so many of them and especially for the people doing drag. To become something that they are not and getting most importantly enjoying it is one of the best and biggest things that can happen to someone who feels they need a platform.
Now, one may ask why the topic of drag in the OTT platform? Well, the simple answer to this is, “to make your life better”. Netflix has been offering shows and series that are completely dedicated to drag race, drag queens, and culture. I agree a show might not be the most ideal platform for anyone to learn something deeply but hey, you can definitely start from here. Shows like the superhit RuPaul’s Drag Race, its different versions, AJ and The Queen, Dancing Queen, and the upcoming A Queen Is Born are all shows based on the drag culture.
There is a reason drag is considered a culture. Nothing in the world can give you enough satisfaction than being the same thing as your imagination. Too tall heels, amazing, loud and booming makeup, dresses that are out of the world, and hairstyles no one else can carry. The sass, the sheer honesty, the sarcastic remarks and everything else combines and makes them real, actual queens.
This article is a reminder that if we happen to enjoy the western drag culture, then we most definitely can love and give our beautiful Indian Goddesses, their share of love and appreciation too.
So, yeah…YASSS QUEEN!!!!