Book review: Why and how Chapal Bhaduri became ‘Rani’

Sandip Roy has authored a new book examining the life and career of Chapal Bhaduri, an iconic female impersonator known for the role of 'Rani'. According to critical reception, a key strength of the publication lies in its straightforward portrayal of the subject.

Rather than framing Bhaduri as a proto-queer icon who consciously adopted the persona for political or modern identity reasons, the book explores the practical and artistic reality of his journey as a traditional performer in rural and regional theatre.