Sushant Divgikr, the multi-talented LGBTQIA+ icon with an influence

In a world that often demands conformity, Sushant Divgikar stands as a beacon of authenticity. From clinching the title of Mr. Gay India 2014 to gracing international stages as a drag performer, Sushant has continually challenged societal norms. This HELLO! exclusive explores Sushant's journey marked by talent and tenacity.

BEING ‘GENDERBENDER’ UNIQUE

“Indeed! When I started off, everyone had their inhibitions about me, my artistry and the community… But slowly and steadily, my art broke all those barriers and delusions! And here we are today! Winning everyone’s heart, one song at a time!”

FOLLOWING HEART OVER HERD

“I didn’t cater to people’s expectations. Maybe that’s what explains my longevity. I believe art is limitless and boundless, so listening to what other people think I should do is a criminal waste of energy! I’d rather learn a new raga and try a different form of classical dance, or add to my already extensive repertoire of musical genres while people debate over what I should or shouldn’t do. I’m probably getting a manicure in another country and looking, doing and feeling my best as they sit and continue to be irrelevant!”

CROWNING MOMENTS AS MR GAY INDIA 2014

“At a time when it was frowned upon to be so vocal about being gay, I chose to go on the world stage and represent India and the Indian LGBTQ+ community. It felt great that everyone referred to me as ‘INDIA’ first and then my name.”

A BOUNDARYSHATTERING CAREER

“My art as well as my very being is extremely eclectic! If anyone still believes you can be a jack of all trades and the master of none, I’d like to introduce them to me! I’ve worked extremely hard for nearly two decades to provide my audience what they see. If there’s no place at the table, I make sure there’s a new one where I’m seated first. Having broken many boundaries in the mainstream, I’ve created space for future artistes not just of a specific community but for artistes who like to freely express themselves.”

A SPECIAL VOICE

“I actually have a four octave range, and yes, it takes immense training and honing to make it sound the way it does. I have a gift but my give back has to be discipline and riyaaz. I’d like to sing and perform till I die, travel and take the beauty of India to each and every corner of the world…”

THE ‘PARI HOON MAIN’ PHENOMENON

“When I re-recorded the song Pari Hoon Main for my Bollywood debut, little did I know that my producer, Rhea Kapoor, would make me explore myself as a triple threat (actor, singer and dancer). After Thank You for Coming released, the song was trending for nearly eight months! This led me to my first Navratri show in Surat and later, countrywide. I’m also popular in the Indian wedding market… because they get the experience of a fantastic male and female singer in one person!”

THE ‘QUEEN’ OF INFLUENCES

“Didi, as I lovingly refer to Maharani Radhikaraje Gaikwad, was the first to put me on a stage to sing Pari Hoon Main in front of nearly 70,000 people in her palace in Vadodara. She has always believed in me and my art. I’m forever indebted to her! We also share a love for sarees.”

LOOKING FORWARD

“I look forward to being booked as much as possible and exploring new verticals as an artiste and performer this year. All I can say is ‘Bring it on!’

This piece originally appeared in the April-May’25 print edition of HELLO! India