DELHI GIRL’S SUPER COSPLAYABILITY
On International Day of Disabled Persons, today, meet this Delhi cosplayer who is winning hearts via her creativity
When Delhiites head to Comic Con India , at NSIC Estate, Okhla Industrial Area Phase III, one cosplayer who makes their heads turn is Tanya Kaushik aka NyaNya— a girl who’s decided not to let her condition get in the way of her passion, i.e., cosplay. The 23-year-old suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 — a genetic disease affecting the part of the nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movement — but doesn’t let her wheelchair limit her passion for cosplay.
On International Day of Disabled Persons — December 3 — Kaushik talks about her challenges, and how she overcomes them for her love for cosplay.
THE COSPLAY JOURNEY
“What got me into cosplay was Anime. I am part of the Delhi Anime circuit, and that is where I got the inspiration to cosplay. Another important person in this journey has been my friend and fellow cosplayer, Saumya Singh, who goes by the name Junkless Sam. She was the one to push me initially. Saumya told me that she’d help me with the props and costumes, and all I had to do was to show up in the costumes,” says Kaushik. “My first cosplay was as Oracle (a character from Batman and Birds of Prey series) at a precomic con bash, but my first comic con appearance was as Daenerys from Game of Thrones. Mom and I worked on the costume, Saumya made the Iron Throne that was fit to my wheelchair. I’ve cosplayed twice after that — as Death and Red Queen. And, this comic con, I’m cosplaying again as two characters — Ursula from Little Mermaid and Thanosa (gender-flipped version of Thanos from Avengers).
SELECTING CHARACTERS
“I am picky. My condition does influence my choices, and another factor is my body type. But, if a character is bada*s and cool, and is someone I really love, I go ahead with it. I try to do most of the prep myself and with things that are readily available at home. So my cosplay doesn’t cost as much like that of professional cosplayers,” says Kaushik. “I save money and my mother chips in if I need more. The important thing to remember when cosplaying, for the first time, is to start small, keep your concept clear, and let your passion do the work.”
FAMILY SUPPORT
She shares, “My mother is the biggest support, and is as excited as me when it comes to cosplay. I showed her some cosplay once, and she loved it and suggested I should do it too. She helps me with whatever I need, my costumes, makeup, everything. My brother has no real interest in it, but helps me with whatever I need since he understands my passion.” She adds, “Dad doesn’t understand much, but I’m sure he’ll come around.”
EVERYDAY STRUGGLES OF LIFE
“Since I move in a wheelchair, most of the places are inaccessible. Delhi’s infrastructure is bad for anyone who uses a wheelchair. I mostly have to use the metro to travel, and my motorised wheelchair makes things just a tad bit easier,” says Kaushik. “I wanted to coach for an upcoming exam, and I couldn’t find a single place that was wheelchairfriendly. One place in Netaji Subhash Place did have lifts but there were steps before the lift too, and I found that out only after reaching the place. I felt bad and helpless and decided to do something about it. That is when I reached out to the Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. But, that was disappointing too. He talked to me for just a bit and kept claiming that change will come soon. When I pushed, he said he’ll fast track it and then left, assigning another person for me, who in turn assigned someone else.”
My condition and body type do influence my choices. But, if a character is bada*s and cool and I really love [then] I go ahead with it
TANYA KAUSHIK, DIFFERENTLY ABLED COSPLAYER