#BadmaashWeek: The uncle that started Chippendale’s

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By Fareeha Molvi

(This piece was originally published on Instagram on November 17, 2020)

#BadmaashWeek kicks off with a the story of the founder of the famous Chippendale’s club. Did you know it was started by a South Asian immigrant in the ‘80s? Somen “Steve” Banerjee of Bombay immigrated to Playa del Rey, California in the late 1970s. Like many immigrants, he started working at a gas station. Bored of working there he purchased a failing LA nightclub and turned it into an 8 million dollar enterprise. The Chippendales show, which featured male exotic dancers, was the first of its kind. As it grew wildly profitable, Banerjee stopped at nothing to maintain control over the business. He was charged with various plots to murder 3 former dancers (who he perceived as competitors) and his former business partner/choreographer. He eventually plead guilty to attempted arson, racketeering and murder for hire. He entered a plea deal which would have led to 26 years in prison. On the morning of his sentencing, he was found to have taken his own life.

Suffice it to say this isn’t your parents’ immigration story. Many in the diaspora, myself included, have probably not heard about Banerjee nor his taboo association with the adult entertainment industry. Banerjee’s gritty tale upends the “good immigrant” narrative and reveals the dark side of the drive to succeed at all costs.

Last month, it was reported that Dev Patel is set to star in an upcoming film about the club owner. Would you watch?