Palakkad: In a rare incident, a Muslim girl has been admitted to Kalamandalam in Kerala, which has a history of 90 years. For the first time ever, a Muslim student has been enrolled in a Kathakali course at a prestigious institute based in Thrissur.
Saabri N. Cheruturuthi, 14, was enrolled and has been trained in dance wearing a hijab. She is undergoing training from an 86-year-old veteran from Kathakali dancer Kalamandalam Gopi Asan.
“Saabri was fond of Kathakali. She used to accompany me to the Mahadeva Temple in Agasthyakod, Anchal, to the performances organised, regularly. She did not sleep during the performances, and watched the dancers attentively. She was impressed with the dance form’s make-up and colourful attire, informed her father, Nazeem.
Sabri learnt the first lessons of Kathakali from Aromal of Chadayamangalam, he said and explained that she learnt Mohiniyattam from a teacher near her home during the Covid pandemic.
There are two types of Kathakali, Vadakkan and Thekkan. A student enrolled in Class 8 in Kalamandalam can continue his studies for 12 years till the student completes his PG.