Somen “Steve” Banerjee was an Indian-American entrepreneur who became infamous for founding Chippendales, a male exotic dance troupe that became a cultural phenomenon. His story is a complex one, filled with ambition, success, and ultimately, a dark turn involving crime and tragedy. This article explores Banerjee’s life, his creation of Chippendales, and the controversies that surrounded him.
Early Life and Arrival in the United States
Bombay, which is now Mumbai, India, is where Somen Banerjee was born. He immigrated to the United States in the late 1960s or early 1970s, initially working various jobs before venturing into entrepreneurship. He purchased a failing Los Angeles gas station in 1975, which he later converted into a backgammon club called “Destiny II.”
The Birth of Chippendales
Looking for ways to attract more customers to his struggling club, Banerjee decided to introduce female-oriented entertainment. In 1979, he transformed Destiny II into a male exotic dance club, initially targeting a gay audience before shifting focus to a predominantly female clientele. He named the club “Chippendales,” a name inspired by the Chippendale furniture style.
The Rise of a Cultural Phenomenon
Chippendales quickly gained popularity, becoming a sensation in the 1980s. The club’s format, featuring male dancers performing choreographed routines in revealing costumes (most notably the “cuffs and collars”), resonated with women seeking a night of entertainment and empowerment. Chippendales expanded beyond its initial Los Angeles location, with touring shows and international performances. The brand became a cultural phenomenon, synonymous with male exotic dancing.
Business Expansion and Internal Conflicts
As Chippendales’ popularity grew, Banerjee sought to expand the business through various ventures, including calendars, merchandise, and touring productions. However, internal conflicts and disputes began to arise within the organization. These conflicts involved disagreements over creative direction, financial matters, and control of the Chippendales brand.
The Dark Side: Arson, Racketeering, and Murder-for-Hire
The success of Chippendales was marred by a dark undercurrent of crime and violence. Banerjee became embroiled in a series of criminal activities, including arson, racketeering, and ultimately, a murder-for-hire plot. He was accused of hiring a hitman to murder Michael Fullington, a former Chippendales choreographer who had started a competing male revue.
Legal Troubles and Death
Banerjee’s involvement in these crimes led to a federal investigation. He was indicted on charges of racketeering, arson, and murder-for-hire. Before his trial could conclude, Banerjee died by suicide in 1994. His death brought a tragic end to a complex and controversial story.
Chippendales After Banerjee
Despite Banerjee’s death and the scandals that surrounded him, the Chippendales brand continued to operate. The touring productions and Las Vegas shows remain popular, though the brand’s history is forever intertwined with Banerjee’s controversial legacy.
Popular Interest and Media Portrayals
Banerjee’s story has continued to fascinate the public, leading to various media portrayals. Notably, the Hulu miniseries “Welcome to Chippendales,” starring Kumail Nanjiani as Banerjee, has brought renewed attention to his life and the rise and fall of Chippendales. This series has further fueled public interest in understanding the man behind the brand and the events that led to his downfall.
A Complex Legacy
Somen “Steve” Banerjee’s legacy is a complex and cautionary tale. He was a shrewd entrepreneur who identified a market and created a cultural phenomenon. However, his ambition and involvement in criminal activities ultimately led to his downfall and tarnished the Chippendales brand. His story serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked ambition and the importance of ethical business practices.
FAQs
Who was Somen Banerjee?
Somen “Steve” Banerjee was an Indian-American entrepreneur who founded the iconic male striptease club, Chippendales, in 1979. He revolutionized the male entertainment industry by creating a sophisticated and elegant brand that appealed to a female audience.
What was Somen Banerjee’s background?
Born in Mumbai, India, Banerjee immigrated to the United States in the 1970s. He initially worked as a gas station attendant before venturing into the entertainment industry, opening a small nightclub in Los Angeles.
How did Somen Banerjee create Chippendales?
Banerjee envisioned a male revue that would appeal to women with its focus on sophistication and elegance. He meticulously crafted the Chippendales brand, investing heavily in marketing, choreography, and the overall presentation. This unique approach quickly gained popularity, and Chippendales expanded rapidly, opening franchises worldwide.
What were some of the challenges Somen Banerjee faced?
Banerjee faced numerous challenges throughout his career, including legal battles with tax evasion and fraud accusations. He also became embroiled in a bitter feud with his former choreographer, which ultimately led to tragic consequences.
What was the outcome of Somen Banerjee’s legal troubles?
While facing trial on various charges, Somen Banerjee was found dead in his jail cell in 1994, having committed suicide.
What is Somen Banerjee’s legacy?
Despite his troubled final years, Somen Banerjee’s impact on the entertainment industry is undeniable. He revolutionized the male striptease industry and created a successful brand that continues to entertain audiences worldwide. His story serves as a reminder of the complexities of ambition and the potential for both success and downfall.
In Summary
Somen Banerjee’s story is a dramatic and cautionary one, encompassing elements of entrepreneurial success, cultural impact, and criminal behavior. He created a brand that became a household name, but his actions ultimately led to his own demise. The story of Chippendales, inextricably linked to Banerjee, continues to be a subject of fascination and serves as a reminder of the complexities of human nature and the potential for both great achievement and devastating failure.
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