For decades, Chapal Bhaduri, a renowned Indian actor, captivated audiences in Bengali folk theater by mastering the art of portraying female roles. Born into a family of performers, Bhaduri adopted the stage name “Chapal Rani,” which translates to “Quick Queen,” and became a pillar of the “jatra” tradition—a traveling musical theater form prevalent in Bengal. His journey into the world of theater began in the 1950s, a time when men often played female roles due to the scarcity of women actors. Bhaduri’s ability to embody feminine grace and expression made him a standout figure in Kolkata’s vibrant theater scene. However, as more women began to join the jatra troupes in the 1960s and 1970s, Bhaduri found himself struggling to secure roles, leading to a decline in his career by the time he reached his 60s. Despite his fame, he was reduced to performing just a handful of times a year, earning the equivalent of $1 per night. It was during this challenging period that Bhaduri’s life intersected with Naveen Kishore, a publisher, photographer, and filmmaker who would go on to immortalize his story.
Kishore first encountered Bhaduri while running a theater publication, and their meeting marked the beginning of a transformative collaboration. Recognizing Bhaduri’s unique talent and the fading tradition of male actors portraying female roles, Kishore decided to document the actor’s process of becoming a character. This led to a series of black-and-white photographs capturing Bhaduri’s meticulous transformation into his roles. The photos, taken in Bhaduri’s home, offer an intimate glimpse into his craft: the application of makeup, the donning of elaborate costumes, and the moment of spiritual transformation when he applied a “third eye” to his forehead, symbolizing his embodiment of the Hindu goddess Shitala. Kishore’s images not only highlighted Bhaduri’s artistry but also brought attention to the cultural significance of his work. The photographs were eventually sold, with the proceeds going to Bhaduri. However, when Bhaduri later approached Kishore for work, offering to take on menial tasks like cooking or making coffee, Kishore was moved to tears by the actor’s humility and determination. This encounter inspired Kishore to create a documentary that would revitalize Bhaduri’s career and reintroduce his story to the world. The result was “Performing the Goddess: The Chapal Bhaduri Story,” a 44-minute film that premiered in 1999 and became a celebrated work, showcasing Bhaduri’s life, craft, and resilience.
The documentary was far from a rushed project; Kishore invested six weeks into its production, aiming to delve deeply into Bhaduri’s experiences. Over the course of filming, Bhaduri shared stories from his life, including his early days in jatra, his challenges as a male actor in a changing industry, and even his personal struggles, such as a decades-long relationship with a married man—a topic he discussed with remarkable candor. This openness, especially given the conservative societal norms of 1990s India, added a layer of vulnerability and courage to the film, making it a standout piece. In one powerful scene, Bhaduri recounts his complex affair and its eventual end, offering a rare glimpse into his private life. These personal anecdotes, intertwined with his professional journey, made the documentary a deeply human and relatable work. The film not only earned critical acclaim but also resonated emotionally with audiences, establishing Bhaduri as a cultural icon and revitalizing interest in his work. For Kishore, the documentary was a labor of love, driven by a desire to preserve Bhaduri’s legacy and share it with a wider audience.
Bhaduri’s collaboration with Kishore led to a “strange resurrection” of his career, as the actor himself described it. The documentary and accompanying photographs introduced his work to new audiences, both in India and internationally. The images, many of which are now part of museum collections and exhibitions, capture the essence of Bhaduri’s transformation from a man into a goddess. One such exhibition, “Body Transformed: Contemporary South Asian Photographs and Prints,” is currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C., until August 17, 2025. This exhibition showcases how Bhaduri’s art transcends cultural and temporal boundaries, offering a window into the rich traditions of South Asian performance art. The photographs, taken with minimal intrusion and maximum empathy, reflect Kishore’s respectful approach to capturing Bhaduri’s process. Speaking to CNN, Kishore recalled his shy and unobtrusive method of photography, emphasizing that the goal was to let Bhaduri’s authenticity shine through without interference or embellishment. This approach not only honored the actor’s craft but also highlighted the universal themes of identity, transformation, and resilience embedded in his work.
Bhaduri’s story is not just one of personal struggle and triumph but also a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend boundaries and challenge societal norms. By openly discussing his sexuality and embracing his unique role as a male actor portraying female characters, Bhaduri became a trailblazer in a traditionally conservative industry. His willingness to share his story, both on stage and on screen, inspired audiences and paved the way for future generations of performers. Reflecting on the impact of Kishore’s documentary, Bhaduri expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to share his art with new audiences. He described his ultimate reward as the knowledge that he had taken the story of Goddess Shitala—once confined to rural fields and street corners—to unimaginable heights. This sentiment encapsulates Bhaduri’s deep connection to his craft and his desire to preserve the traditions that shaped his life. Through his work, he not only upheld the legacy of jatra theater but also left behind a lasting legacy of his own.
Today, Chapal Bhaduri, now in his mid-80s and living in a care home in Kolkata, looks back on his life with pride and fulfillment. His journey, marked by both triumph and adversity, serves as a reminder of the transformative power of art and the resilience of the human spirit. With his story now immortalized through photographs, film, and exhibitions, Bhaduri continues to inspire audiences, ensuring that his legacy endures long after his retirement from the stage. As his biography, “Chapal Rani, the Last Queen of Bengal,” prepares for publication, Bhaduri’s life serves as a testament to the enduring impact of one man’s courage, creativity, and devotion to his craft. His story—like the photographs and films that capture it—remains a powerful celebration of identity, tradition, and the universal language of art.
