Thrissur (Kerala), Oct 2 (PTI) For 16-year-old Sabri, a Muslim girl, donning the traditional Kathakali makeup and attire to perform a nearly 40-minute-long 'purappadu' to mark her debut at the Kerala Kalamandalam here on Thursday will be one she will perhaps never forget.

It was the first time a non-Hindu girl performed this on stage at this 95-year-old university established in 1930. "It was a great experience," Sabri told PTI when she got off the stage after performing 'purappadu', the introductory segment of the dance performance.

"There was no tension, but the weight of the costume was very heavy as it was the first time I was wearing it. Once I got on stage, everything went smoothly," she said, all out of breath.

Her proud father, Nizam Ammas, a photographer by profession, echoed h

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