Heels, Heart, And A Passport
They say travel expands your horizons—but for queer souls like Sushant Divgikar, a.k.a. Rani KoHENur, it does something deeper. It lets him/her/them exhale. To walk into spaces where their existence isn’t questioned—but celebrated! To wear their truths as boldly as their eyeliner.
By Nolan Lewis
My first taste of travel was
When I went to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Sikkim and Nagaland. A wild, unforgettable childhood family adventure with my brother Karan and our parents that still lives rent-free in my head. Every detail is crystal clear—like the universe stamped it onto my soul. That trip lit the fire in me!
Since then, I’ve made it my mission to explore every inch of this fabulous planet.
Whether I’m sashaying down a runway in Los Angeles or soaking in a sunset in Santorini. And to my parents—thank you for giving me the gift of wanderlust.
A meal to remember—and propose over
Is at OKO by The Lalit. Let me say it louder: THE best Pan-Asian in the country. My OG fave is OKO in New Delhi, followed closely by Ming Yang at Taj Lands End. First dates? Countless. One man even proposed mid-sushi because the food and vibe were that intoxicating. I declined, obviously—but darling, good food will forever be my true love.
The Lalit Group of Hotels, Palaces & Resorts is a ‘home away from home’.
It is not just a hotel chain, it’s a statement, a sanctuary, a revolution in inclusivity. Where else do you find drag performers on stage and in hospitality leadership roles? Their DEI game is unmatched. It’s luxurious! It’s empowering. It’s everything a queen like me needs.
Internationally, I would check in at
The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, Ritz Paris, and The Beverly Hilton. Taj is Indian hospitality’s crown jewel. Ritz for hosting my wildest bestie trip ever! And the Beverly Hilton? I lost my Hollywood red carpet virginity there… and had—shall we say—a night to remember—and then some?
My dream date destination is Japan, darling!
Specifically, the jaw-droppingly stunning Aman Tokyo. Zen, design, discipline, and that insane skyline view. Manifesting a man who’ll whisk me away there. Applications open!
Childhood travel to the northeast, including Darjeeling, ignited wanderlust in young Sushant Divgikar, Digvikar stays true to his art and activism.
Whether it’s Mumbai or Madrid (seen here), Digvikar stays true to his art and activism.
My art, activism, and androgyny have travelled with me
From Mumbai to Madrid. As a queer icon and performer, every trip adds layers. I’ve performed across continents, absorbed cultures, and evolved not just as a drag artist—but as a deeply empathetic, observant human being. My passport is proof of a life lived loudly.
My queer utopia
Is Maspalomas in Spain. It’s like queer Disneyland—without the heteronormativity. I’ve never felt so gloriously free, loved, and celebrated just for being me. Not tolerated—celebrated!
Cities that get it right for queer folx
Are Los Angeles, New York, Barcelona, Paris and Mumbai. They don’t just tolerate queerness—they create ecosystems for us to thrive. The rest of India is shifting too—don’t let the trolls fool you. We’re rising, changing, and making space for every shade in the rainbow.
I have faced travel prejudice
Some countries are racist and queerphobic. And when you’re a six-foot-tall glamazon in high heels and hair, you get looked at. But guess what? I refuse to dim my sparkle. If I’m boosting your GDP with my presence, I demand respect! Period.
India’s trailblazing airline is
IndiGo. Their DEI team walks the talk. I’ve worked with them, and they’re making sky-high inclusivity a reality. Honestly, they’re doing more than so-called “woke” global airlines. Colour me impressed—and proud!
Ritz Paris has hosted a wild bestie trip.
Barcelona is one of the cities that get it right for queer folk.
Every trip has contributed to making Digvikar an evolved artist and human being.
The world is my runway. I belong wherever love is louder than hate.
I’ve performed at Pride celebrations worldwide
Stockholm Pride was a fever dream. Sharing the stage with The Weather Girls and The Village People? Legendary. The moment they called me India’s answer to Beyoncé — I blacked out with joy. Still recovering!
When in my home city Mumbai I haunt
Zainab Patel’s Trans Café in Mumbai. Run by a proud trans team, it’s a space of warmth, hope, and killer coffee. Every time I visit, I sing. Sometimes I cry. Always, I leave inspired.
My queer-approved Indian itinerary would consist of
Rajasthan, Goa, Leh, the northeast, and the Kamakhya Devi Temple in Guwahati. India is a cultural fever dream—and we’re queering the map, one glitter bomb at a time.
The gay clubs I adore
Are DISCO DISCO and House of Heals in Thailand. Kitty Su and Kitty Ko in India. And of course, the iconic Stonewall Inn in NYC—where our revolution began. These aren’t clubs—they’re temples of freedom.
My kind of getaway
Has good food, a great head massage, soulful conversations and chill vibes. Basically, a 5-star thali with a side of aromatherapy. Peace has taste—and baby, it’s spiced to perfection.
The Pierre is an international favourite.
I’ve performed across continents, absorbed cultures and evolved not just as a drag artist—but as a deeply empathetic, observant human being.
I have a pink ritual of wellness
Whether I’m at a retreat or in a hotel room; my body is my temple. I meditate. I stretch. I jog. I light incense. I glam up. It’s not routine—it’s a ritual!
I don’t travel to ‘get inspired.’
I live fully, observe deeply, and absorb the world like a sponge wearing sequins. And if the place has hot men? Bonus points.
From NYC to Bangkok, I’ve soaked in global drag influences
But my soul remains rooted in India. I pack my saree with sass, the naach with the narrative. Even RuPaul said my fusion is iconic. I’ll take that to my grave!
American drag is eclectic, yes! But South Asian drag is ancestral
We channel our classical dance, Sufi mystique, Bollywood drama—and serve it with grace. It’s heritage-on-heels.
The world is my runway
I belong wherever love is louder than hate. And yes, I’m the dream travel companion. Just ask my exes—or better yet, don’t!
Maspalomas is renowned globally as a premier gay tourism destination.
Chosen family isn’t just a phrase—it’s my reality
From Berlin to Bengaluru, I have couches to crash on and hearts that hold space for me. It’s solidarity on speed dial.
My dream queer holiday in India is at
The Lalit Golf and Spa Resort in South Goa’s Canacona village. Secluded, stunning, and superbly queer-friendly. Picture this: beachside brunches, spa indulgence, drag brunches, and starry nights under palm trees. Iconic.
Still on my list
Japan. New Zealand. Australia. This holy trinity I must experience. The glam goals are travel bucket calling—and I will answer.
I love the stage, but I also cherish anonymity
Sometimes, being invisible in a foreign land is the ultimate luxury. I let my soul exhale. And that, darling, is freedom!
My advice to queerlings.
Save up! Fly out! Live out loud! My mentor once told me, “You’re not a tree—MOVE!” The best advice I ever got. Now I’m passing it on to you.
I am truly myself
Anywhere that’s chill, welcoming, and doesn’t judge how high my heels are. And honestly? Wherever I go, I bring the vibe. I am the holiday.
My travel mantra?
Eat. Sleep. Rave. Repeat. And book that massage. You deserve it, you divine creature.
