Sixteen-year-old Sabri N has scripted a new chapter in the 95-year history of the esteemed Kerala Kalamandalam, a deemed university for art and culture, by becoming the first Muslim woman to perform Kathakali on its stage.
The landmark moment occurred during her ‘arangettam’ (debut performance) on Thursday, a significant occasion for classical arts. Sabri captivated the audience as she donned the elaborate green makeup and costume to perform the ‘Krishna vesham purappadu’, the introductory sequence portraying the playful and divine nature of Lord Krishna.
A student of the institution’s Kathakali course, Sabri’s journey has been a powerful symbol of cultural inclusivity and dedication. Her enrollment in 2023 itself marked a milestone, as she was the first Muslim girl to join the prestigious Kathakali training program after the institution opened its doors to female students in 2021.
“I am very happy that I was able to achieve my dream today. Dance is my passion,” an elated Sabri told the media after her nearly 40-minute performance.
Her success is the culmination of years of hard work and the unwavering support of her family, particularly her father, Nizam Ammas, a photographer who first noticed her fascination with the art form. Her admission to Kalamandalam was also championed by legendary Kathakali maestro Kalamandalam Gopi, who insisted that a student from the Muslim community be trained there.
Sabri’s debut has been widely celebrated for breaking decades-old social and cultural barriers in a classical art form deeply rooted in Hindu tradition, reinforcing the idea that art transcends religious boundaries.
