Sushant divgikar – one of the very few but prominent LGBTQ+ icons of the Great Indian Entertainment industry.

A social personality by profession, but they’re a lot more than just that. An influence to all the up- and coming or even struggling queer entertainers in the industry, an inspiration to countless others who aren’t sure enough that the world’s ready for their glam, their way.

Even though they were an academically achieving student since their school days, he always knew he was made for something bigger, he knew that he wasn’t born to be just another brick in the wall, that they were beautifully different. Sushant holds a master’s degree Industrial and Organizational Psychology and further studies in Counselling Psychology, a good example of beauty with brains and a whole lot more.

Their first drag debut was in the year 2015 during a production of merchant of Venice, a play well acted by them and their team, earning a great response. A couple years after that in 2017 during an event in Delhi, Keshav Suri, CEO of Lalit Suri Hospitality Group and a prominent activist, called them ‘Rani’. The title stuck with Sushant and to make it a little closer to their personality, he added the prefix ‘Ko-HE-Nur’ to the name given.

After performing and emerging victorious in multiple pageants and competitions at national and international level, events such as Mr. Gay India 2014 and even receiving Mr gay world world honours in Rome just added a couple more feathers to his hat.

Divgikar has had numerous appearances on reality shows, movies, commercials and has even modelled many sarrees blended beautifully with western aesthetics. Not only did they gain fame and innumerable fans through these media appearances, they also motivated and supported many to make their way through the entertainment industry through their fame and reach.

Apart from their achievements and recognition in the entertainment industry, they have also been an active supporter and activist of the LGBTQ+ community’s rights and the laws concerning the community throughout their carrier.

Sushant divgikar’s life was not just motivating. His journey tells us that it is never too late to accept your wonderful self, be unapologetic in the kindest way possible, and just go out there and glam your way through it. It shows us how it is never too late to chase that dream. It’s inspirational. Not only for members or allies of the LGBTQ+ community but to everyone who knows they are meant for more. It is a blissful blend of academic strength, performing artistry, making the correct use of media presence, and activism all strengthened together with the right mentorship, family support and a wonderful audience.

By Aarika Mishra