Muslim girl performs Kathakali at Kerala Kalamandalam for the first time in 95 years

Kerala Kalamandalam, Cheruthuruthy, witnessed history on Thursday evening when 16-year-old Sabri, daughter of photographer Nizam Ammas and Aneesha, became the first Muslim girl to perform Kathakali at the prestigious institution since its founding in 1930.

Sabri made her debut in the Krishna ‘vesham,’ stepping onto the Kalamandalam stage alongside her classmates — a moment she described as “a long-cherished dream come true.”

Sabri’s journey with Kathakali began in 2023 when she joined Kalamandalam as an eighth-grade student after clearing the entrance test and interview. At the time, her admission marked a milestone. Never before had a girl from the Muslim community enrolled to learn Kathakali at the institution.

Lure of the art

She was among seven girls admitted that year to the Thekkan Kathakali division, and it was maestro Kalamandalam Gopi who taught her the first ‘mudras.s Since then, she has trained under Kalamandalam Anil Kumar and other veteran teachers. Now a tenth-grader, Sabri continues to hone her skills with dedication.

Sabri, the first Muslim girl to perform Kathakali at Kerala Kalamandalam since its founding, getting ready for the performance on Thursday.
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Special Arrangement

Her love for Kathakali took shape in childhood itself, while accompanying her father, an environmental photographer, to performances. Mesmerised by the art form’s vivid colours, elaborate costumes, and dramatic expressions, she dreamed of one day donning the costume herself. With the full support of her family, that dream was fulfilled.

A barrier broken

It was only in 2020-21 academic year that Kalamandalam officially began allowing girls to perform in Kathakali roles. The change opened the door for Sabri’s historic journey. On Thursday, when she stepped onto the stage, she didn’t just fulfil a personal dream; she broke a 95-year-old barrier and etched her name into the legacy of Kerala’s cultural heritage.