Beware of Chechi! Women Bouncers Forge a Path in Kerala

In a striking black T-shirt and jeans, Anu Kunjumon strode ahead of superstar Mohanlal at a recent Kochi event, deftly managing the crowd with a commanding air that set her apart from the male security team.

At 37, Kunjumon is among a pioneering group of women in Kerala shattering gender norms by stepping into the male-dominated realm of bouncers—security professionals tasked with crowd control at mass events, celebrity escorts, and handling troublemakers at pubs and DJ parties.

Once a photographer capturing film promotions, Kunjumon’s journey into bouncing began after a clash with a male bouncer who pushed her during an assignment. “I didn’t like how he treated me, so I pushed back—knocked him down,” she told PTI.

Contacting the agency afterward, she challenged their lack of women hires and volunteered herself. “I’ve always wanted to command respect and be strong, mentally and physically,” said the Kochi native, who credits her resilience to overcoming life’s challenges while supporting her family. Over the years, she’s managed crowds, escorted female celebrities, and faced troublemakers—men, women, and transgender individuals—without faltering. “I’ve never had a bad experience as a woman in this role,” she said, smiling.

Another woman bouncer, speaking anonymously, noted the job’s growing acceptance, with pay nearing male counterparts’ and rising demand at celebrity events and DJ nights. Yet, she highlighted a gap: “I’ve kept fit through gym work, but there’s no professional training for this.”

Rakhee K. George of Bonfire Events in Kochi agreed, saying agencies often rely on women’s mental grit over formal skills. Umesh Kumar, a security agency owner, added, “Most hiring comes from gyms—physically strong women fill the gap.” As these trailblazers redefine Kerala’s security landscape, their grit signals a shift beyond stereotypes.