Sushant Divgikar, profoundly known as Rani Ko-HE-Nur, is a renowned artiste, famous for her acting, singing, and drag performances. Hailing from Mumbai, Maharashtra, in 2018, Sushant made history by becoming the first individual on Indian television to showcase her singing talent in the drag persona “Rani Ko-HE-Nur” on the singing reality show ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ and winning the Golden Buzzer. She holds the distinction of being the first trans woman to represent India on the global stage in Paramount Films’ ‘Queen Of the Universe’ in 2021.
Prior to her transition phase, in 2014, Sushant made history by being crowned as the Mr Gay India 2014 and for securing three sub awards at the Mr Gay World 2014- Mister Gay World Congeniality 2014, Mister People’s Choice, and Mister Gay World Art 2014. Coming from a well-learned background, Sushant had pursued dual master’s degrees in Industrial and Organizational applied Psychology, complemented by diplomas in Yoga, Public Relations and Marketing.
Her extensive education and professional background lended her the opportunity to work with esteemed companies such as PwC (as an intern), Qatar Airways (as purser) and more. It was in 2017, during her transition phase that Sushant realised her passion for acting, and initiated her television career with UTV Bindass’ Big Switch Season 3, directed by Rohit Shetty, followed by hosting Atyachaar Ka Punchnama and participating in Bigg Boss Season 8 on Colors TV.
Trained under veteran Usha Uthup, Sushant gave her first International Single- ‘Love is Love’ in 2019 which is now touted as the Pride Anthem and her first Original English song ‘Diamond’ was released across all music platforms in December 2020. Creating history in 2022, Sushant became the only Indian Drag Artiste/Queen to represent India on one of the biggest world stages for Drag Performers, RuPaul’s Drag Con which is an annual event of drag culture that celebrates the art of drag, and queer culture.
Post-transition, showcasing her skills, Sushant has hosted many chat shows like ‘Third Eye’, ‘Main Bhi Rani’ and Namaslay Talkies on her YouTube channel. She has also been a part of many shows like Netflix India’s (Not) Every Office First Day (2021), Amazon Prime’s Rainbow Rishta (2023), and Amazon Mini TV’s Campus Beat (2023). Extending her acting career in Bollywood, with a 2023 movie ‘Thank You for Coming’, Sushant became the first trans person to play a man’s character and educate people about the transition phase. It is India’s first film to cast a real trans person rather than having an actor to play the role.
In 2023, Sushant became the first Trans person to sing in a film in Indian Cinema as she gave vocals for the rendition of ‘Pari Hoon Main’ for Ektaa R Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor’s coming-of-age comedy film ‘Thank You For Coming’. Not just this, with a talent to give vocals in Male and Female voices, Sushant recently worked with legendary Javed Akhtar and sang an anthem for the government.
Sushant also lent her voice for a 2023 podcast series presented by Marvel Entertainment and Audible, Marvel’s Wastelanders: Star Lord along with actors like Saif Ali Khan and Vrajesh Hirjee. It was her second collaboration with Audible as in 2022, Sushant played the character of Desire in ‘The Sandman Act 1’.
Extending her contributions in the realm of media, Sushant ran the longest LGBTQIA+ column in DNA newspaper, titled ‘Rainbow Guru,’ and co-hosted the show ‘Rainbow Diaries’ on Red FM, providing assistance to those seeking guidance. She has also collaborated with prominent platforms and brands like Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Maybelline, Mac Cosmetics, Lakme, Tira Beauty, Kay Beauty etc. and continues to make impactful strides and unique brand integrations.
Becoming the brand ambassador for Joy Personal Care- a home-grown personal care brand’s flagship winter products Honey & Almond in 2023, Sushant advocated the message of openness and inclusivity of LGBTQ community and emphasised on the fact that beauty extends beyond societal expectations and gender norms. Sushant is also soon going to be the digital ambassador for one of India’s leading snacks brands.
Another significant moment of 2023 was speaking extensively at the Prestigious DIVERSITY EQUITY AND INCLUSION EDGE SUMMIT convened by ASCI and UN Women to change the narrative around performance art and intersections between marginalized communities.
Launching the YANA (You Are Not Alone) Foundation was another milestone, which focuses on increasing awareness and understanding of transgender diversity, fostering economic and
social security pathways, and supporting the upbringing of over 280 queer children who are working as teachers, government officials, healthcare professionals, lawyers, pilots and some have their own business.
Honoring Sushant’s work for the trans community of India, in February 2023, she attended the India Conference at Harvard on LGBTQ+ Rights in India as a youth icon promoting inclusivity through art. Adding more to the contribution to the community, in association with John Hopkins Foundation, Sushant inaugurated the first Transgender clinic in Hyderabad, headlined the closing night for the Kashish Pride Film Festival, headlined the Purple Fest event for the Government of Goa, sang the anthem for Health Ministry of Goa in association with Javed Akhtar, and performed the headlining act for the Mumbai Festival organized by the Government of Maharashtra.
An advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, Sushant has served as a speaker on various panels and conducted over 200 workshops for organizations like Godrej, P&G, Goldman Sachs, and pro bono work for NGOs like Humsafar Trust and the Transgender Welfare Organization. Through her initiatives, Sushant aka Rani Ko-He-Nur has emerged as a true changemaker, breaking societal norms and fostering inclusivity for all.
Starting 2024 on a higher note, Sushant sang the National Purple Anthem, titled “Dhumal,”written by Javed Akhtar in partnership with the Government of Goa which premiered at Rashtrapati Bhawan. She became the only transgender to be nominated in two categories at
the prestigious National Creators Award. Not just excelling as a singer and an artiste, Sushant also channeled her inner diva as she opened the show and performed live for Mohit Rai’s Label ITRH at Lakme Fashion Week and for Designer Neeta Lulla at Bombay Times Fashion Week.
Profile Link:-
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sushantdivgikr/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SushantDivgikarRaniKohenur
Awards & Recognition:-
● Breakthrough Artiste of the Year at Cosmopolitan Bloggers Award 2024
● Singing Sensation of The Year at Whosthat260 NDTV Influencer Awards 2023
● Impact Style Creator of The Year at Glammy Awards 2023
● Featured in #PowerWomen25 list of Rolling Stone in 2023
● Most Impactful Creator of the Year by IWMBuzz in 2023
● Forbes Top 100 India Digital Creators Power List 2022
● LGBTQIA+ VOICE OF THE YEAR (POPULAR CHOICE) at Cosmopolitan Bloggers
Award 2022
● Gay Times Honor 2022
● Forbes Asia 30 under 30 list in 2020
● GQ’s 50 Most Influential Young Indians of 2018
