How does the slogan "Creativity empowers us together" resonate with you?

Well, I've always been a staunch believer in art without barriers. And ever since the beginning of my career, which is nearly two decades back now, I've always forwarded the notion that an artist is an artist regardless of all the labels that we have been attached to. We're promoting art, and my art is not supposed to be gendered. It is not for a particular community or for a particular group of people. My art transcends all of these labels and all of these barriers that are all manmade, and that is the power of music, and I have also experienced the same thing. I am a multi-genre artist only because I enjoy all sorts of music. So you'll see everything from Indian classical music to Sufi music, to rock, to pop, to jazz in my home, playing all the time. I'm not someone who compartmentalises art for a particular audience.

Therefore, you see that my audience is also intergenerational and varied. It's very diverse. So this is the reason why I think that creativity is very empowering, and it should not be boxed. Therefore, as an artist, I believe that I automatically resonate with a lot of people and for a lot of reasons, and I think that's the way I like to keep it.

Rani KoHEnur

Can creativity help to shape a world where everyone feels included and valued, regardless of their background or identity?

Absolutely. You come to a Rani KoHEnur show and you'll see exactly this. You'll see everybody from everywhere. It's not exclusive - it's all inclusive.

You see, my youngest audience members are around - I think, you know - there are babies, literally, that are infants, and their parents, and their parents. And my oldest ever guest or audience member has been 102 years old. So it's that vast and that varied and diverse, my audience.

And therefore, I believe that creativity is the only tool or weapon, as I say, that can demolish discrimination and create a better world.

Rani KoHEnur

How do you see your creative work contributing to political and social change? 

I have received several national and international awards. There was this one time when I was getting the Swadesh Samman Award (Swadesh Conclave 2024), and I thought, "Oh my God, the person might not know me." And the Former Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri. Anurag Singh Thakur was presenting the award to me, and he was like, "Of course, I know Rani. My wife is a very big fan, and we keep watching your reels. We keep listening to your music, and we love your new song.” 

If you have some preconceived notions that this person is not consuming my content, you should never enter a room, demeaning and devaluing yourself. You must always walk into a room saying, "I have done what I have done. There is a reason why I've been invited inside this room.”

And that is what I've started believing. So if you don't know me, it's fine. Today you'll know me. Today is the day that you are going to be exposed to - and you're going to be introduced to - the beautiful Rani KoHEnur and today is the day that your life is going to change. That is my mantra now.

So I've realised that my being on stage, the person I am - being transgender is one part and aspect or characteristic of me - I'm so many more things. That's why I say I'm so much more than my sexuality. I'm so much more than just a pronoun. And I'm so much more than what one pronoun or one sexuality - something that encapsulates me, and just probably doesn't allow me to share my talent with the world.

I don't like these labels. I'm a human. I'm a person. I'm a citizen of the world. And I always say this: I'm India's gift to the universe.