The Chai Queens

At a vibrant Indian wedding, two women reunite, stirring hidden passions that clash with the traditions surrounding them.

The Chai Queens is a vivid, sensuous portrait of Queer life for women in India, with enrapturing, deeply believable performances from Taranjit Kaur as Babli and Archana Patel as Tejal. Ramanjit Kaur directs this piece, which hovers tentatively on the sensations, memories, and moments of intimacy across the women’s lives. 

The Forbidden Productions invites audiences into the soul-stirring world of The Chai Queens, an evocative new theatrical offering that explores the delicate tension between societal expectations and personal truth. Set amidst the ceremonial grandeur of an Indian wedding, this intimate performance delves into the unspoken choices we make as we navigate love, longing, and the invisible scripts of tradition. Taranjit Kaur (as Babli) and Archana Patel (as Tejal) bring a stunning vulnerability to their roles, unearthing decades of emotional sediment with grace and precision. Under the contemplative and poetic direction of Ramanjit Kaur, the production refuses the obvious and chooses instead to linger in the spaces between words. It is in these interstices that the play breathes most deeply—when the audience becomes witness to longing that has waited too long. The Chai Queens opened with a thunderous response at the spectacular theatre Museum of Alchemists, Prague at 24th Prague Fringe Festival, 2025 Winning not only accolades but also awards for Inspiration Award for a new piece of work, 2025 Best of Prague to Colchester Fringe Award, 2025 Best of Prague to Catania Award, 2025

You should not miss this show because:
After a whirlwind world debut at the Prague Fringe festival, The Chai Queens are here in Mumbai, brewing stories, laughter and a little bit of rebellion.
The Chai Queens celebrates the tenderness of queer intimacy—between two Indian women navigating shame, desire, and the rituals that tried to erase them.

Presented by The Forbidden Productions
Directed by : Ramanjit Kaur
Starring Taranjit Kaur and Archana Patel Original script ‘So Far’ by Vikrant Dhote Story Taranjit Kaur with excerpts from Taranjit Kaur, Archana Patel, and Ramanjit Kaur. Music Design: Tanmoy Bose Light Design: Gagandeep Kaur Lights execution Nayan Pandya