“Call me by my Name” w/ Bolly Illusion

Welcoming BACK Bolly Illusion a.k.a Anthony Pius. 

This was a wonderful conversation into the new Audio series produced by Chai with Rai An Ode: Reframing the Classics in which Anthony wrote a short story called The Sari Chronicles. 

The storytelling series had two exhibition residencies in London over Summer of 2025 at Theatre Deli and the LGBTQ+ Centre at London Bankside. We also discuss outlook on artistry and how our experience can inform our practice as creatives, the expansion/ highlights of Bolly's work, future work and the cabaret/ drag space. 

Bolly/ Anthony's bio: 

Bolly-Illusion (Anthony Pius)  is a drag Artist who has been slaying the stage in the world of cabaret for over 4 years. They infuse Indian music and beats to showcase their Indian heritage, there’s no light bulb moves here but you’ll defo want to get up out of your seat when you see them twirling around in a 6-inch stiletto. 

They have been seen dancing in Marvel’s Eternal, other accomplishments include being featured in Vogue Italia, I-Weigh and Gay Times.

Venues they have been blessed to perform in are the Design Museum, Hackney Empire, V&A Museum and Roundhouse Theatre to name a few.

Topics Breakdown: 

• Misconceived notions or perceptions about yourself that the cabaret and drag space has helped unlearn or inform.  
• Finding liberation and joy with fellow queer artists.
• Being optimistic around negativity.  
• Central Cee Obsession.
• Political Views and standpoints.
• Discussing writing the short story "The Sari Chronicles" 
• Favourite part of the job. 

To listen to the short story, subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.

Social

Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_  & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_  & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai

Guest: : https://www.instagram.com/bolly_illusion

Links

Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage  & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  

Guest: https://linktr.ee/bolly_illusion?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnEbCwpcoaGtZnZO4r4zVCjApImoxmUjk8nc6dx48JocbG3QCCoiE-edd7zzw_aem_lKEhjCMXZG2GgDKXCz3uIQ