Episode Number: 264

Patruni Chidananda Sastry On Drag Ritual and Truth | Ep 264 Patruni Sastry | The Mohua Show

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About This Podcast

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 about

Not a trend.
Not just performance.
Not a Western import.

Key Takeaways:

Expression as gender: orange hair, cruel masks, and the deliberate confusion of the “stranimal”
Redefining drag: Dressing Resembling A Gender is an ancient, pan-Indian skeleton
The sacred vs. the sensual: From ritualistic Theyyam to the erotic Laundanach
A bold reclaiming: “Drag is something which was stolen from India”
Beyond the “Western import” label: Seeing drag as integration, not just outer spectacle
The LGBTQ+ tag: How it raises eyes and alters perception
Drag as public service: An HIV consultation at a railway station
Calling out appropriation: The pain of cisgender actors in exaggerated trans roles
If you’ve ever wondered where tradition ends and queer expression begins, this episode blurs the line.

Episode Timeline

0:00

: Intro — The mask as a portal to identity

7:19

: “What I present… is my expression of gender”

8:55

: Redefining drag: An ancient Indian skeleton

10:43

: “Drag was stolen from India, stylized, and came back”

12:30

: Beyond the “Western import” label

14:11

: The weight of the LGBTQ+ tag

23:53

: Drag as public service: A railway station consultation

26:38

: Calling out appropriation in South Indian cinema

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Disclaimer: The views expressed by our guests are their own. We do not endorse and are not responsible for any views expressed by our guests on our Show and its associated platforms.