South Indian Drag Artist Silukku Paves Her Path in the Minnesota Drag Scene

For South Indian drag artist Silukku, the path to the stage began in secret. Inspired by a beloved actress she lost too soon, Silukku grew up navigating gender expectations, caste barriers and cultural contradictions.

Now, after nearly two decades in the arts and a rebirth in Minnesota’s drag scene, she performs in honor of the woman who first taught her how to move.

When asked about the inspiration behind her stage name, she explains, “There was once an actress from South India named Silukku. She was a dancer and performer who could captivate all kinds of people with her movement.”

“As a child, I used to watch her on television, and I would secretly try to dance like her,” she continues. “But whenever I danced like a woman at home, I would get scolded and beaten. I was told to ‘dance like a boy.’ Even after all those beatings, I continued dancing like Silukku.”

It was in the fifth grade that Silukku learned of her hero’s passing.

“When she died by suicide, I cried so much,” Silukku shares. “I felt heartbroken knowing I would never again see her dance. To honor her spirit, I chose ‘Silukku’ as my drag queen name.”

Born and raised in the South Indian state of Madurai, it was common in traditional theater for men to perform female roles. Silukku used to admire and practice like them.

“People celebrate artists, but they do not like someone from their own home becoming an artist,” Silukku explains. “India is a male-dominated society. Even though men can play women on stage, a man from one’s own family dressing as a woman is considered shameful. This contradiction always confused me.”

According to Silukku, the caste system, which limits social and economic mobility, also limits artistic opportunities.

“People from marginalized castes or religions often can’t dream of becoming artists,” she says. “Yet I’ve spent nearly 18 years in the arts, breaking through those barriers.”

“There was no space to dance freely,” she says. “If I danced in public, people mocked me for ‘dancing like a girl.’ So, I practiced inside a small bathroom at home, staring at the wall. A single bulb cast my shadow on the wall, and I imagined it was a mirror. That is how I trained myself.”

Silukku has acted in 1,200 shows, written and directed 30 plays, and directed two documentaries, two short films and an independent feature. Even with all these accomplishments behind her, it was the chance to dance again that awakened something deeper. For Silukku, it became a journey of self-rediscovery.

The performance collective “Queer Circus” gave Silukku her first drag opportunities. Producers Stella, Martina and Midnight welcomed her with open arms and gave her a space to perform.

“If I am preparing a dance for a song, I listen to it continuously,” Silukku explains. “I memorize the verses and look up their meaning. I dance to songs in many languages.”

She also enjoys spending time choosing the right outfits and ensuring the colors, jewelry and accessories to match the theme.

Silukku has performed at a variety of venues throughout Minnesota, including LUSH Lounge & Theater, Can Can Wonderland, Open Stage, Minnehaha Falls and the Parkway Theater. It was here in Minnesota that Silukku deserved overwhelming support.

“The first moment I stepped onto the stage, people cheered, whistled and welcomed me with so much love,” she shares.

“Minnesota gives me confidence that any talented artist can thrive here,” she continues. “Here, I am simply myself. I live as myself. Queer people’s feelings are respected deeply, and audiences celebrate performers with loud cheers and love.”

Proudest Moments

“Every stage feels like a moment of pride for me, Silukku says. “My first performance here was to a Hindi song. The audience watched with deep interest — my costume, music, movements, everything was new to them. Their applause gave me such dignity.”

“Even though I do not know the [English] language well, audiences in the Twin Cities respond with such respect and appreciation,” she continues. “They understand the emotions behind my performances.”

Another special moment for Silukku was the recent “Rocky Horror Picture Show” 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour stop at the Parkway. Silukku performed in the pre-show, where more than 500 people stood up, cheered, whistled and applauded for her.

Biggest Challenges

In the first seven years of her career, Silukku began as a theatre actress. From there, she became a director and trained many young artists. After nine years, when the opportunity to dance again came, Silukku was afraid and wondered whether her body could still move like before.

Divya, the director of SAATHMN and a talented choreographer, gave Silukku the confidence and support she needed.

“I showed her my dance, and she guided me,” Silukku says. “She helped me connect with Queer Circus and gather people to support my first drag performance.”