Shows
The Mohua ShowPatruni Sastry on Drag, Devotion & the Stranimal Truth Beneath the Makeup | The Mohua Show This episode of The Mohua Show is a vibrant reclamation of identity and tradition.Drag artist and expressionist Patruni Chidananda Sastry dismantles Western imports to reveal the deep, ancient Indian roots of drag—from spiritual rituals to folk theatre—arguing that this art of gender expression was born here, stylised abroad, and is now coming home.A conversation about the masks we wear to tell the truth, and the stages—from temples to railway platforms—where transformation becomes revelation.What this episode is REALLY aboutNot a trend...
2026-01-021h 05
The Quint's VideosHe’s a Drag Queen. She’s a Cis Woman. Together, They’re Rewriting Love | Pride 2025 | The QuintReplug | In a world obsessed with labels, Patruni Sastry and Rajeshwari chose love - messy, flamboyant, queer, and real. As part of Queer, Not Quiet’s “Portraits of Pride”, we share the story of Patruni, a pansexual drag performer from Hyderabad who has lit up stages across India. But the spotlight is only part of the story. Behind every performance is Rajeshwari - a cis-het woman who stood by their partner in heels, sequins, and storms.
#QueerNotQuiet #TheQuintQueerArchive #TheQuintOutLoud #IndiaQueerNow #VoicesOfPride #LifeAfter377 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2025-06-2608 min
Drag Me to HeavenLa Faust: Channeling the Divine through Alt-Drag and Ritual AestheticsIn this evocative Season 2 episode of Drag Me To Heaven, we venture into the surreal and sacred universe of La Faust, an alternative drag artist from Goa whose work is redefining the edges of drag, spirituality, and pedagogy. Known for crafting hauntingly beautiful and religiously charged visuals, La Faust explores the rich tension between ritual and rebellion, sacredness and subversion.Through performance, La Faust becomes both priest and prophet—using alt-drag as a form of ritualized storytelling, queer resistance, and spiritual invocation. In our conversation, we delve into how her drag persona channels religious imagery, spirit possession, an...
2025-05-0759 min
Drag Me to HeavenLaWhore Vagistan: Aunty Culture as Resistance, Drag as PossessionIn this thought-provoking episode of Drag Me to Heaven, I sit down with LaWhore Vagistan, the dazzling and unapologetic drag persona of Kareem Khubchandani—a researcher, performer, and activist whose work spans queer nightlife, South Asian diaspora, ethnography, and performance studies. As an academic and artist, Khubchandani seamlessly weaves together storytelling, stand-up comedy, body art, and digital media, using drag as both a pedagogical and performative tool.
Our conversation delves into three transformative themes that define LaWhore Vagistan’s work: the Aunty as a symbol of resistance to drag as political activation and challenges of appropriations . We expl...
2025-01-3036 min
Drag Me to HeavenGods, Kings, and Drag: Emperor Naaz on Reimagining Faith Through Queer EyesIn this bonus episode of Drag Me to Heaven, Sas (Patruni Sastry) sits down with Bombay’s own Emperor Naaz, a trailblazing drag king known for their ability to channel sacred energies through their art. Together, they explore the intricate relationship between drag and spirituality, delving into how performers can respectfully incorporate sacred imagery and cultural references into their work.
From embodying divine archetypes to creating transformative narratives, Sas and Naaz share personal experiences of using drag to affirm identity, reclaim heritage, and build connections to something greater than themselves. They discuss the ethical considerations of representing spirituality in queer pe...
2025-01-081h 06
Drag Me to HeavenDrag for Palestine: Mama Ganuush on Art, Activism, and ResilienceIn this powerful episode of Drag Me To Heaven, I sit down with the groundbreaking Mama Gannush, a drag artist whose work transcends performance to engage with critical social issues. 🖤✨
We explore how Mama Gannush uses her platform to amplify voices and combat injustice, including her advocacy for Palestinian solidarity and raising awareness about the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Drawing from her experiences as an artist and activist, Mama shares the intersection of drag, art, and resistance, showing how drag can be a tool for radical change.
Through her evocative performances and bold political stances, Mama Gannush exemplifies how art can c...
2025-01-0147 min
Drag Me to HeavenTwo-Spirit Royalty: Landa Lakes on Drag, Activism, and Cultural EmpowermentIn this episode of Drag Me To Heaven, I had the honor of speaking with the iconic Landa Lakes, a Two-Spirit Chickasaw drag queen, artist, and activist based in San Francisco. 🌈 Landa shares her incredible journey from growing up in the Tupelo community of Oklahoma to becoming a leading voice in the Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ communities.
We dive into her groundbreaking work as the founder of the Brush Arbor Gurlz and the House of Glitter, her role as Westcoast Mother of the Vogue House of Lauren, and her efforts in creating spaces like the BAAITS Two-Spirit Powwow and...
2025-01-0140 min
Drag Me to HeavenBeing Tifa Wine: Drag, Indo-Caribbean Culture, and the Spirit of Anti-Colonial ResistanceIn this vibrant episode of Drag Me to Heaven, I sit down with Tifa Wine (she/her), the electrifying drag persona of Ryan Persadie (he/him), a Toronto-based artist, educator, and doctoral fellow in Caribbean Studies. We explore Tifa's journey as a drag artist and how she weaves the rich tapestry of Caribbean culture, Carnival traditions, and chutney-soca music into her performances.
Ryan shares insights from his academic work on queer Caribbean diasporas, transnational feminisms, and Afro-Asian intimacies, while Tifa brings the spirit of fearless Caribbean women to the stage, using drag as a tool for anti-colonial agitation and celebration.
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2024-12-311h 10
Drag Me to HeavenBloody Kamina: The Dalit Drag King Redefining Caste, Gender, Identity, and Faith!In this episode of Drag Me to Heaven, I sit down with Bloody Kamina, a trailblazing Dalit drag king from Bangalore, who is using their platform to challenge not only gender norms but also caste-based discrimination. Bloody Kamina, known for their bold performances, is an advocate for Dalit rights and incorporates their anti-caste and Buddhist beliefs into their art. Through drag, they challenge societal expectations and offer a powerful voice for those who have been marginalized.
We delve into how their drag journey intersects with their Buddhist identity, which emphasizes equality and social justice, and how it influences their approach...
2024-12-301h 06
Drag Me to HeavenSacred Camp: Mysticism and Activism with Sister Shalita of the Sisters of Perpetual IndulgenceIn this episode of Drag Me To Heaven, I had the privilege of speaking with the enigmatic Sister Shalita from the iconic Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Our conversation dove deep into their unique mysticism and the profound ways they blend their spiritual philosophy with the mission of the Sisters. Sister Shalita shared how their mystical approach is rooted in healing and transformation, using their role as a Sister to embody radical joy, acceptance, and advocacy.
We explored the relevance of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in today’s world, discussing how they reclaim the concept of sisterhood as a powerful, in...
2024-12-2935 min
Drag Me to HeavenTemple Dance, Drag, and Transcendence: Khemaya on Mahari, Gotipua, Odissi, and IdentityIn this episode of Drag Me To Heaven, we spotlight Khemaya, a trans woman, drag artist, and classical dancer hailing from Odisha. Rooted in the sacred traditions of Mahari, Gotipua, and Odissi dance, Khemaya masterfully bridges the worlds of spirituality and drag, creating a powerful narrative of faith and identity.
Khemaya shares her experience of blending these revered temple dance forms with the bold, expressive art of drag. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of being a trans woman in the arts, the importance of trans individuals claiming cultural spaces, and the need to support local drag artists.
This episode...
2024-12-281h 06
Drag Me to HeavenDrag Herstory: Nepal’s Queer Tourist Guide and Drag Queen Momolicca on Heritage and SpiritualityIn this captivating episode of Drag Me to Heaven, we journey to Kathmandu, Nepal, with the extraordinary Momolicca—drag artist, queer tourist guide, and pioneer in Nepal’s queer cultural landscape. Together, we explore the intersection of queerness, spirituality, and heritage in one of the world’s most historic cities.
Momolicca shares untold stories of Nepal’s queer history, shedding light on traditional art forms and sacred spaces that echo the spirit of drag. We delve into her experiences working at Nepal’s only gay bar and uncover the moments that sparked her love for drag. Through her person...
2024-12-271h 06
Drag Me to HeavenDrag, Divinity, and Digital Chaplaincy: Bonnie Violet on Spirituality in QueernessIn this thought-provoking episode of Drag Me to Heaven, I am joined by the phenomenal Bonnie Violet, a drag artist, digital chaplain, and a pioneer in merging the worlds of spirituality and drag. Bonnie has been at the forefront of creating spaces where queerness and spirituality can coexist harmoniously, starting with their groundbreaking spiritual drag conferences, which have traveled across Idaho, other states, and beyond.
Together, we delve deep into how drag serves as a medium for spiritual exploration and healing, drawing parallels between drag artists, mystics, and healers. Bonnie sheds light on their journey as a...
2024-12-261h 15
Drag Me to HeavenDrag, Devotion, and Diaspora: Jolene Queen Sloan’s Punjabi Power in CanadaIn this episode of Drag Me to Heaven, I’m joined by the incredible Jolene Queen Sloan, a Punjabi drag artist redefining the drag scene in Canada. With a stunning blend of devotion, culture, and unapologetic artistry, Jolene is bringing Punjabi heritage to the forefront of Canadian drag.
From traditional Punjabi aesthetics to bold performances, Jolene’s work bridges the gap between diaspora and drag, while captivating a diverse audience—including her biggest fans, the aunties! Tune in as we talk about her journey, her mission to celebrate Punjabi culture, and how she’s creating waves in the drag world. This is...
2024-12-2536 min
Drag Me to HeavenPhoenix Raj: The Trailblazer Redefining Drag and Queer Spaces in NepalIn this empowering episode of Drag Me To Heaven, I sit down with Phoenix Raj, the groundbreaking drag artist from Nepal and the founder of Queer Honky-Tonk, the country’s first and only public drag performance space. Phoenix is at the forefront of redefining drag in Nepal, blending art, identity, and activism to create a platform for queer expression in a region rich with tradition and faith.
We explore the transformative role Nepal plays in advancing LGBTQIA+ rights in South Asia, how faith intertwines with identity, and what it means to hold space as a trans-masc drag artist in a...
2024-12-241h 06
Drag Me to HeavenThe Most Photographed Nun in the World: Sister Roma on Sisterhood, Faith, Drag, and RevolutionIn this captivating episode of Drag Me To Heaven, I sit down with the iconic Sister Roma, famously known as the most photographed nun in the world. As a member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Sister Roma has spent over three decades using drag, humor, and activism to challenge hate, spread love, and inspire change.
We explore the origins of the Sisters, the power of drag as a tool for activism, and how faith and queerness can coexist in revolutionary ways. Sister Roma shares unforgettable stories of triumph, resilience, and her ongoing mission to fight for LGBTQ+ rights while...
2024-12-2322 min
Drag Me to HeavenDrag with a Beard: Maya Mem Saab is Redefining Faith, Glam and RepresentationIn this extraordinary episode of Drag Me to Heaven, we are joined by the one and only Maya Mem Saab, a groundbreaking figure in the drag community. As the first South Asian bearded drag queen to enter the pageant drag scene in the U.S., Maya Mem Saab has redefined what it means to be a queen. Recently crowned National PNW Bearded Queen 2024, she is blazing a trail of authenticity, resilience, and cultural pride.
Maya Mem Saab’s art is a stunning fusion of South Asian heritage, spirituality, and unapologetic self-expression. With her iconic bearded look and me...
2024-12-2236 min
Drag Me to HeavenCross-Dressed for Wish Fulfilment : Begum Soni’s Journey with Rituals and DragIn this episode of Drag Me to Heaven, I speak with the incredible Ms. Begum Soni, a cross-dresser, drag artist, and educator who shares her experiences of blending tradition and expression. Begum Soni introduces us to the unique cultural practice of cross-dressing as a mannat—a vow to the gods in exchange for blessings or fulfilled wishes.
From the Ganga Ma festival in Tirupati to Kerala’s Chaiyar Vilai Koo ritual and Mathura’s Krishna-inspired Karva Chauth celebrations, she takes us through the vibrant rituals where men dress as women to honor deities and express devotion.
Begum Soni discusses how these...
2024-12-2151 min
Drag Me to HeavenSexwax, Surfing Faith: The Spiritual Side of Drag and Hindustani MusicIn this soul-stirring episode of Drag Me To Heaven, Patruni Sastry sits down with Goa-based drag artist and sitarist, Sex Wax. Known for merging Hindustani classical music with the art of drag, Sex Wax delves into their journey of faith, spirituality, and artistic expression. They share how the moon serves as a profound source of connection and inspiration, and how they navigate the intersection of drag and global issues through a deeply spiritual lens.
Tune in to explore how the rhythmic beauty of Hindustani music and the transformative power of drag combine to create a unique narrative of self-discovery, activism...
2024-12-201h 06
Drag Me to HeavenFaith, Witchery & Drag: Bollyvvitch’s Spellbinding JourneyIn this episode of Drag Me to Heaven, I sit down with the extraordinary Bollyvvitch—a trans-Indian witch and drag artist from the United Kingdom. We delve into her spellbinding journey of navigating faith, witchery, and drag artistry. Bollyvvitch opens up about reclaiming her Indian heritage while embracing her trans identity, how witchery informs her spiritual practice, and the ways her surreal drag persona becomes a vessel for both faith and magic.
We also explore how she initially navigated being trans within Islam, ultimately redefining belief on her own terms, and finding affirmation in her drag artistry. Bollyvvitch brings he...
2024-12-1931 min
Drag Me to HeavenSalaura’s Journey: Being Dalit and Challenging the Status Quo with DragIn this episode of Drag Me to Heaven, I sit down with Salaura, a prominent drag artist from Goa whose performances bridge the gap between artistry, spirituality, and advocacy. With 15 years of experience in the industry, starting as a dancer and transitioning into drag, Salaura has created a unique space in India’s drag scene internationally and nationally.
Salaura’s drag is deeply rooted in their connection to nature, spirituality, and the world around them. As a Dalit drag artist, they use their platform to address critical issues such as caste, religion, and faith while fostering conversations about inclusivity and empo...
2024-12-1851 min
Drag Me to HeavenLiving with HIV, Being Areligious, and Embracing Nudism: VictWhoria Jumbobutt's Bold JourneyIn this powerful episode of Drag Me to Heaven, VictWhoria Jumbobutt shares their journey of living with HIV, being areligious, and embracing nudism. Through their drag artistry, VictWhoria breaks barriers, challenges societal norms, and redefines what it means to live authentically. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, vulnerability, and the freedom to fully own your truth.
2024-12-1744 min
Drag Me to HeavenBorn Christian, Rest is all Maya : A Drag queens decade long journey with Faith and DragIn the third episode of Drag Me to Heaven, I sit down with Maya the Drag Queen, a trailblazing pioneer of Indian drag whose journey beautifully intertwines with their Christian faith. Maya shares how their drag persona is often misinterpreted as embodying different faith imagery, overshadowing their identity as a person of Christian belief. We explore the challenges they’ve faced in reconciling their spirituality with their gender expression and sexuality, and how they’ve grown into a deeply spiritual artist. Discover how Maya has turned drag into a powerful tool for storytelling, breaking biases, and embracing authenticity.
2024-12-1645 min
Drag Me to HeavenSpeaking Spirits: The Avant-Garde World of Drag Imagination of Hiten NoonwalIn this episode, we dive into the extraordinary world of Hiten Noonwal, a visionary drag artist, cosplayer, and expert in image-making. Known for their avant-garde style and spiritual connection, Hiten shares how their art is a manifestation of catharsis and spirituality. Through motifs of birds, feathers, and soaring imagery, Hiten explores the essence of spirits and the ethereal. They discuss their process of creating deeply studied, imaginative works that transcend humanity's boundaries. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Hiten as they unveil the intersection of drag, spirituality, and the art of image-making.
2024-12-1528 min
Drag Me to HeavenBeing a Muslim Drag Artist: Navigating Faith, Identity, and Alien-Ghoric Art Feat ZeeshIn the debut episode of "Drag Me to Heaven," I sit down with Zeesh, a visionary drag artist from Bombay known for their avant-garde style. Zeesh, who was born into an Islamic faith, shares their journey of navigating identity and expression through the medium of drag. We delve into the intricacies of their avant-garde and gothic performances, exploring how these artistic expressions serve as a powerful commentary on identity, faith, and the concept of belonging. Join us as we uncover the intersections of drag, artistry, and personal beliefs in a conversation that's both enlightening and inspiring. Stay tuned on...
2024-12-1436 min
Drag Me to HeavenIntroduction to Drag me to Heaven
Welcome to Drag Me to Heaven, a podcast where we explore the vibrant, transformative, and deeply personal world of drag through conversations with some of the most inspiring artists in the community. This series dives into the intersections of identity, faith, culture, and artistry, offering a platform for drag performers to share their unique stories, struggles, and triumphs.
From exploring the roots of their drag personas to unpacking how their art challenges societal norms, Drag Me to Heaven is a space where creativity meets authenticity. Whether it’s navigating faith, addressing bias, or using dr...
2024-12-0602 min
The Times of India podcastAn unconventional parentPatruni Chidananda Sastry talks to Labanya Maitra about the challenges of being a drag queen and parent and dealing with the hate that comes with publicly acknowledging one's unconventional choices.
2024-09-0517 min
The Times Of India PodcastAn unconventional parentPatruni Chidananda Sastry talks to Labanya Maitra about the challenges of being a drag queen and parent and dealing with the hate that comes with publicly acknowledging one's unconventional choices.
2024-09-0517 min
All that SHE wantsMeet SAS: The Drag Queen Breaking BoundariesJoin us on a captivating journey as we explore the inspiring story of SAS, also known as Patruni Chidananda Sastry (they/them/theirs), a trailblazing drag queen and proud bisexual. Discover their unique artistry and the impact they are making in the world of drag. Learn how SAS is challenging norms and creating a space for inclusivity and self-expression.
Disclaimer: Everything discussed in this podcast is shared in good faith, reflecting personal experiences and opinions
2024-06-1746 min
Pride and PrejudiceMeet this bisexual+ drag queenIn this episode of Pride & Prejudice, host Suryatapa Mukherjee spoke to Patruni Chidananda Sastry about bisexuality. Patruni is a bisexual, trans non-binary drag artist based in Hyderabad. A 2019 study published in the Australian Journal of General Practice found that 77.6 percent of bisexuals had contemplated suicide as compared to 11.7 percent of the general population. According to Pew Research Center, 19% of bisexuals are out compared to 75% of gays and lesbians. We explore the factors both within and outside the queer community that lead to poor mental and physical health of bisexual people. Here, we are using bisexuality as an umbrella term...
2023-03-3158 min
NOT SO BOXED#17 Not So Boxed with Patruni Sastry (Part 2)We are all excited to continue our conversation with Patruni Chidananda Sastry, a.k.a. SaS, a Classical Dancer, Intrapreneur, and Customer Service Expert. Patruni Sastry uses her unique style of expression to tell stories of awareness in our society. It's time to empower yourself with dance and celebrate queerness!I hope you enjoy this episode. If you do, then don't forget to follow and like.Share your journey of not being boxed with us on @notsoboxedInstagram : https://www.instagram.com/notsoboxed/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/notsoboxed/Tw...
2022-03-2855 min
NOT SO BOXED#16 Not So Boxed with Patruni Chidananda Sastry a.k.a. SASDon't drag the weight of your identity, instead dance with it. Meet Patruni Chidananda Sastry, a.k.a. SaS, a Classical Dancer, Intrapreneur, and Customer Service Expert. Patruni Sastry uses her unique style of expression to tell stories of awareness in our society. It's time to empower yourself with dance and celebrate queerness!I hope you enjoy this episode. If you do, then don't forget to follow and like.Share your journey of not being boxed with us on @notsoboxedInstagram : https://www.instagram.com/notsoboxed/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/notsoboxed/...
2022-03-261h 09
Rainbow DiariesEP-49 PansexualityHow beautiful & wonderful would it be if people started expressing their emotions, love & attraction towards you regardless of your gender. Do you think love should have no boundaries? Well, Rainbow Diaries is all about breaking these norms and boundaries that limit us in creating a lovable environment in society. You know people who identify themselves as Pansexuals are attracted to others only based on how they are as human beings not because they are male, female, or trans people. So, In today's episode of Rainbow Diaries, we have Patruni Sastry who identifies himself as pansexual a...
2022-02-0430 min
Simi'savalancheDRAG QUEEN OF TELUGU STATES "CHIDANANDA PATRUNI SASTRY".Patruni Sastry, A drag performer, performance artist and expressionist dancer from Hyderabad,India.Drag is an art form where a man/woman dresses up in exaggerated costumes and make-up.This wonderful art format which can be used as a language to raise awareness on multiple issues including lgbtqia + issues, awareness on menstrual health, sexual health, gender awareness and fight back Castism, homophobia, fascism, environmental protection.
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2021-02-1624 min