PERSONAL INFORMATION
Full name: Patruni Chidananda Sastry [1] Instagram- Patruni Chidananda Sastry
Nickname: Sas III [2] Facebook- Patruni Sastry
Drag Name: SAS [3] Instagram- Patruni Sastry
Profession(s): Drag Performer, Actor, Indian Classical Dancer, Model
Date of Birth: 25 December 1992 (Friday)
Age (as of 2022): 29 Years
Birthplace: Kharagpur, West Bengal
Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Kharagpur, West Bengal
Religion: Hinduism
Caste: Brahmin [5] YouTube- Narthaki Official
Ethnicity: Tamilian
Marriage Date: 18 August 2021
Age: 29 Years
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EDUCATION
School(s): • Kendriya Vidyalaya, West Bengal (2001-2008) • State Board of Technical Education and Training, West Bengal (2008-2010)
College/University: • West Bengal University of Technology, Kolkata • Maharashtra Institute of Technology, Pune • Kalai Kaviri College of Fine Arts, 18 Benwells Road, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu • Jaipur National University, Rajasthan
Educational Qualification(s): • Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) from West Bengal University of Technology, Kolkata (2010-2014) • Post Graduate Diploma in Telecom Management from Maharashtra Institute of Technology, Pune (2015-2017) • Diploma in Bharatanatyam from Kalai Kaviri College of Fine Arts, 18 Benwells Road, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu • Master of Business Administration in Telecommunications Management from Jaipur National University, Rajasthan (2015-2017) [4] LinkedIn- Patruni Sastry
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height (approx.): in centimeters – 168 cm in meters – 1.68 m in feet & inches – 5’ 6”
Eye Colour: Black
Hair Colour: Black
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Marital Status: Married
Wife/Spouse: Raja Rajeswari Devi (heterosexual)
Parents: Father – Patruni Dharmayya (Carnatic singer) Mother – Name Not Known
Siblings: Sister – Nishika Patruni (elder)
Grandparents: Names Not Known
Wife: Rajeswari Raji
OTHER INFORMATION
Gender & Sexual Orientation: He first identified himself as gender fluid. [6] YouTube- Narthaki Official He then realised he was Pansexual, and in 2021, he redefined himself as Pomosexual. [7] Telangana Today [8] Livemint
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Patruni Sastry stands as a pioneering figure in the realm of Indian drag performance, embodying a rich tapestry of art as an actor, model, and Indian classical dancer. Known as India’s first drag queen, he has established the online platform DragVanti, which serves as a nurturing space for aspiring drag performers. Born in Kharagpur, West Bengal, and later relocating to Hyderabad, Telangana, Patruni’s journey is steeped in a blend of traditional and contemporary influences that have shaped his unique artistic identity.
From a young age, Patruni was captivated by the vibrancy of performance. At just seven years old, he experienced a pivotal moment while watching the Telugu dubbed Tamil film “Padayappa” featuring the iconic Rajinikanth. The striking character Neelambari, played by Ramya Krishnan, left an indelible mark on him. He recalls how her powerful scream and fervent dance inspired him to express his emotions through movement, a revelation that began in a playful bid to secure his favorite chocolate from his mother. Recognizing his passion, his father encouraged him to pursue formal training in classical dance, starting with Kuchipudi under the guidance of his aunt.
Patruni’s formal dance education expanded significantly as he trained in Bharatanatyam with esteemed gurus like Kalamandalam Venkitt in Kolkata, and later, under Smt. Vaidehi Subhash and Sri Hari Mangalampalli in Hyderabad. His dedication to dance led him to explore various styles, including Odissi, Contemporary, and Butoh, and he honed his skills under the tutelage of notable instructors such as Swayam Pragyan Shahoo and Preeti Mohapatra. This diverse training set the foundation for his artistic evolution, culminating in the conceptualization of “Indian Expressionism,” a dance form he developed to communicate themes of identity, gender fluidity, and social awareness through movement.
In 2014, while navigating the corporate world as he built a career in IT, Patruni made a significant decision to step into the limelight as a drag performer. His initial performance at a local café in Hyderabad was met with hesitation, as he grappled with feelings of disconnection from the Western ideals of drag aesthetics. Despite contemplating retirement from drag, he ultimately found his voice and embraced his identity as a drag queen, adopting the stage name ‘Suffocated Art Specimen’ (S.A.S). His impactful performances, such as “Four Play,” “Strip Tease,” and “Nir Rod,” are characterized by their exploration of LGBTQ+ themes and societal issues, which he has conveyed through various mediums, including dance festivals and theater productions.
Patruni is not only an artist but also a dedicated LGBTQ activist, using his platform to advocate for rights and representation. His efforts are highlighted by his petition against discriminatory content on social media and his candid appearances on reality television, where he has spoken against transphobia. As a speaker at multiple TEDx events, he has championed awareness and understanding of complex topics surrounding gender identity. Additionally, he extends his influence through music, with songs that celebrate LGBTQ+ experiences, and has authored impactful literature including “Dressing as a Goddess: A Drag Photo Book.” Patruni Sastry’s journey is a testament to the power of art as a vehicle for personal and societal transformation, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of India.
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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.