Sabri, a Muslim girl performs Kathakali, signaling a shift in Kerala’s art scene

Sabri made her debut in the Krishna vesham, a role Gopi himself was renowned for—creating a symbolic passing of the torch.

Can a 16-year-old girl rewrite the 125-year history of Kerala Kalamandalam? Yes. On Vijayadashami, 2 October, Kerala witnessed a historic moment as Sabri N, a Muslim girl from Kollam and the daughter of Nizam Ammas and Aneesa, marked a powerful milestone in the world of classical arts, by performing Kathakali.

Her achievement stands as a testament to generations of artists who have pushed back against caste discrimination within the cultural landscape. While Kerala often prides itself on progress, deep-rooted barriers of caste, class, and identity continue to shape access and opportunity in its artistic traditions.

Forms like Kathakali, Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam, Chakyar Koothu, and Carnatic music have long been dominated by Privileged castes, even 75 years after Independence.

Discrimination remains, as seen when the Thantri of Thriprayar Sree Rama Temple refused permission for a Kathakali performance of Gurudeva Mahatmyam, a play on the life of Sree Narayana Guru, hurting the Ezhava community.

If bias can persist even in the name of the Guru, one can only imagine what it means for a Muslim girl to step into Kathakali, an art form long dominated by men and privileged castes.