The Last Queen of Bengal’s Theatre
In mid-20th century Bengal, eastern India, some of the most celebrated female stage performers were, in fact, men. Among them, Chapal Bhaduri stood out. Known on stage as Chapal Rani, he became one of the most prominent figures in jatra, a traditional travelling theatre form that once attracted large rural audiences. Across global theatre traditions—from Europe to Asia—it was common for male actors to portray female roles. In Bengal, this practice thrived within jatra, a vibrant performance style blending music, mythology and drama. These productions were staged in open-air settings and relied heavily on expressive acting, elaborate costumes and powerful vocal delivery. In the book Chapal Rani: The Last Queen of Bengal, author Sandip Roy explores Bhaduri’s rise to fame and his gradual fall into obscurity. Through his story, the book sheds light on a fading theatrical tradition where gender […]