He is gorgeous, glamorous and livens up every performance. Meet Maya the Drag Queen, who is well-known for his show Chaya with Maya. Last week he hosted a Pride Karaoke Night at WeWork, Koramangala, where they are celebrating pride week in honour of the LGBTQ community. “I started performing in The Humming Tree in 2014,” says Alex Mathew, who is a public relations professional by day and transforms into Maya during performances, “Since then I have been performing in various places, and have even been a panellist too,” he says just before he takes the stage to mesmerise the audience. As for what makes Maya unique, Alex says: “I call myself kitty party aunty. I am like those aunties who come for weddings in gaudy saris. I sing, dance, perform, and I stand for individualism, freedom and Feminism.”
Living as Maya, he adds, is a lot like shape-shifting. “I can be Madhuri Dixit, Sridevi, or a Malaylee woman. Though I ensure that during my performances, I don’t make fun of women.” After the much awaited verdict of the decriminalisation of section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, Alex says society is making efforts to become more accepting. “The initiative at WeWork must be hailed for making workplaces more inclusive,” he says, adding: “After article 377, I dance with joy. Earlier I used to feel a little stiff while dancing.” Alex discovered his love for dance, and performance in school. “I motivated myself and sought help to hone my talent.” Alex says he draws inspiration from Robin William’s brilliant portrayal of Mrs. Doubtfire , Chacha 420 , and American Drag Queen RuPaul Andre Charles, and gives special credit to Keshav Suri for being his biggest supporter. He contends, though, that “Drag queens should be mainstream. We shouldn’t be seen as cross-dressers.” However, a Drag Queen performance is larger-than-life, not to be dismissed as just another act. “When you are a Drag queen, you slay it on stage; you don’t get to see such performances. I think men in skirts look really good.”
The most challenging part is the time it takes to get ready as Maya, complete with a beautiful sari, jewellery, stunning make up, and a traditional hairdo. “It takes me one-and-a-half to two hours, which by itself is an art.”
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