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Bengal's final female impersonator comes to an end

In the 1960s and 70s, as more women entered the field, Chapal Bhaduri, who had been accustomed to portraying female roles in traveling theater productions, encountered difficulty in securing employment.

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In the 1990s, Chapal Bhaduri, as depicted, often assumed female characters in theatrical shows on...
In the 1990s, Chapal Bhaduri, as depicted, often assumed female characters in theatrical shows on tour, preceding a significant increase in female performers during the 1960s and 1970s.

Bengal's final female impersonator comes to an end

In the culmination of his transformation, the actor donned a "third eye" mark on his forehead, symbolizing his transformation into Shitala, the Hindu goddess of diseases, notably smallpox. This notable moment was captured in an iconic photograph by director Naveen Kishore, whose acclaimed 1999 documentary "Performing the Goddess: The Chapal Bhaduri Story" introduced Bhaduri to the world.

In an interview with CNN, Kishore explained, "Until then, he is a man becoming a woman. With the third eye, he becomes the goddess." Retired and now in his mid-80s, Bhaduri was once the leading female impersonator of "jatra," a traveling musical theater tradition predominantly in Bengali-speaking regions.

Meeting Kishore during his career decline, Bhaduri was only performing sporadically for a measly dollar a night. Kishore, who was publishing a theater magazine at the time, captured compelling black-and-white images of Bhaduri. The photos were later acquired by a curator and subsequently sold, with the proceeds going to Bhaduri.

Recalling the experience, Kishore felt helpless when he saw Bhaduri's struggle and considered him a star despite his dwindling prospects. Inspired to create entertainment stories, Kishore prepared a documentary with a compelling narrative and premiered it in 1999.

"Erase me from your mind"

As part of the documentary preparation, Kishore arranged another photo shoot at Bhaduri's home, which resulted in captivating color images. Recalling the shoot, Kishori said, "My entire practice is a shy one; I often lose a lot of good photographs because I feel I might be intruding."

Speaking to CNN, Bhaduri held a similarly positive sentiment, appreciating Kishore's approach. "Naveen told me to forget that he was taking my pictures," Bhaduri said via a translator. "He said, ‘Erase me from your mind. You just do your thing like you always do. Don’t look at the camera.’"

Many of these photos are now on display in the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art's latest exhibition, "Body Transformed: Contemporary South Asian Photographs and Prints."

The documentary delves into Bhaduri's life, showcasing his transformation into the goddess Shitala. It includes stories from his career, from almost being kidnapped by those who mistook him for a woman to studying the mannerisms of brothel madams in Kolkata's red-light district.

"Act of vulnerability"

Kishore's photography collection has been displayed at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art, situated in Washington, D.C., as of late.

While shooting the documentary, Kishore aimed to uncover more material by filming over six weeks instead of a few days. His patience paid off; unprompted, Bhaduri revealed a three-decade affair he had with a married man, ultimately revealing his account in what is considered the film's most powerful scene.

The film's openness and frankness about Bhaduri's sexuality gained critical acclaim in the 1990s' conservative climate in India. Kishore believes Bhaduri's courageousness contributed to the documentary's success.

"It was seen as an act of extreme vulnerability, but also courage, the fact that he could speak about it without being sensational."

The documentary's screening at film festivals and subsequent airing on Indian television along with the sale and acquisition of the photo series saw a resurgence in Bhaduri's career. He found new audiences, both in India and abroad, providing him with a sense of fulfillment.

"People said, ‘You have taken the story of Goddess Shitala, which usually takes place in fields and street corners, to such unimaginable heights.’ That was my ultimate reward."

“Body Transformed: Contemporary South Asian Photographs and Prints” is on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C. until August 17, 2025.

Enrichment Data:

Performing the Goddess: The Chapal Bhaduri Story is a biographical documentary that highlights the life and career of Chapal Bhaduri, a renowned Bengali actress and female impersonator. Directed by Naveen Kishore, the film explores Bhaduri's struggles and triumphs as she navigated the male-dominated world of Bengali theater. The documentary has had a significant impact on Bhaduri's legacy and has contributed to preserving Bengali cultural heritage.

  1. Preservation of Cultural Heritage: The documentary serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Bengal, particularly the tradition of "jatra." By featuring Bhaduri's life and career, the film highlights the significance of this form of folk theater and its enduring impact on Bengali society.
  2. Celebration of Chapal Bhaduri: The film celebrates Chapal Bhaduri's remarkable career and contributions to Bengali theater. It provides a detailed look at her early days, her rise to fame, and her struggles as a female impersonator in a male-dominated field.
  3. Influence on Chapal Bhaduri’s Career: The documentary likely had a significant impact on Chapal Bhaduri’s career by rekindling interest in her work and legacy. It introduced her story to a new generation of audiences, ensuring that her contributions to Bengali theater would not be forgotten.
  4. Cultural Relevance: The film’s release coincided with a renewed interest in traditional forms of art and culture. It contributed to a broader conversation about the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the role of artists like Chapal Bhaduri in shaping this heritage.
  5. Legacy and Inspiration: For younger artists, the documentary has been an inspiration. It showcases the dedication, skill, and perseverance required to excel in a traditional art form. The film has likely motivated aspiring performers to explore and preserve similar cultural traditions.
  6. Influence on Chapal Bhaduri: The documentary has undoubtedly influenced Chapal Bhaduri’s legacy in several ways:
  7. Renewed Recognition: It brought renewed recognition to her work, ensuring that her contributions to Bengali theater are remembered and celebrated.
  8. Inspiration to New Generations: The film has inspired new generations of performers and audiences alike, fostering a deeper appreciation for traditional forms of folk theater.
  9. Cultural Preservation: By documenting her life and career, the film has played a crucial role in preserving the cultural heritage associated with "jatra."
Kishore utilized intimate photos as a foundation for his documentary, titled
  1. The documentary "Performing the Goddess: The Chapal Bhaduri Story" showcases Bhaduri's transition into a contemporary style of performing arts, blending traditional jatra with his personal transformation.
  2. The captivating color photographs taken by Naveen Kishore during one of their sessions together were a significant part of the "Body Transformed: Contemporary South Asian Photographs and Prints" exhibition, highlighting the artistic style and unique story of Bhaduri.
  3. Throughout his career, Chapal Bhaduri mastered various art forms, including acting, singing, and impersonating women, demonstrating his versatility and dedication to the arts, despite the challenges faced in his mid-80s.

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