Interview of the famous female impersonator of Indian Theatre: Chapal Bhaduri

Abstract

The given interview delves deep into the performative and psychological aspects of a female impersonator. Chapal Bhaduri was born a boy and he had an enriched theatrical background in his home. In this interview he talks about his initial performance, the struggles of his later life, and his role-playing as a female impersonator. The area of gender studies and gender and performativity are replete with numerous nuanced variations in terms of understanding the impact on the actor/actress on stage. Alterations and changing roles played by a man who impersonates a woman on stage, is therefore, liable to have an expansive outreach altogether. In this interview, Bhaduri also laments the current condition of the Indian yatra and the different types of media that have taken a toll on the traditional forms of theatre.

Keywords

• female impersonator
• indian english drama
• gender studies