Mumbai: First Drag Ballroom To Take Place In The City On July 2

In a first-of-its-kind event, Mumbai’s Drag House, The House of Luna, is all set to host a gala evening — The IT Ball 01 — this Sunday. Titled Drag Ballroom, the event will bring together drag performers, stunning looks, and a drag competition open to all — with participants standing a chance to win trophies. 

At the end of this Pride month, the House of Luna is paying homage to the local drag culture and celebrating it with The IT Ball 01. Drag queens, kings, and non-binary performers will compete in various categories, showcasing their authentic selves and serving ‘lewks’ that redefine beauty standards.

Acclaimed drag artists like Deedeepls, Rayyan Monkey, Sunil Bormahela and Kristheticc will be participating in the event. In addition, Glorious Luna aka Suruj Rajkhowa—a renowned drag artist and runway model who walked the Lakmé Fashion Week, is a popular make-up director and drag daughter to Legendary drag queen Sushant aka Rani KoHEnur of the House of KoHEnur—will also be participating in the event.

Originating from African American and Latinx communities in 1970, Ballroom Drag Culture provides a platform for individuals, especially queer people of colour, to showcase their creativity, talent, and style through performance, fashion, and dance. It’s a space where marginalised communities come together to freely express themselves, celebrate their identities, and challenge societal norms and discrimination.

By all events, this will be no drag

Throughout history, Ballroom Drag Culture has fuelled political activism and influenced mainstream music, fashion and films. While shows like Pose and RuPaul’s Drag Race have contributed to the global acceptance of drag culture, Mumbai’s drag scene, led by artists like Sushant Divgikr/Rani KoHEnur, has found its place in the Indian mainstream. Rani is an internationally acclaimed drag artist and has worked with numerous A-list designers in the Indian fashion industry. She is involved in film and TV projects, including a Marvel Studios Project alongside Saif Ali Khan.

From voguing battles to jaw-dropping runway creations, this event promises to be an immersive experience that transcends conventional party conventions.

The event will be judged by designer Saisha Shinde, Urfi Javed, Elton Fernadez, Faraz Ansari, and Kshitij Kankaria.