16-year-old becomes first Muslim girl to perform Kathakali at 95

When 16-year-old Sabri performed her 'arangettam' on Thursday on the Kerala Kalamandalam stage, she not only realised her "long-cherished dream," but also scripted a new page in the history of the state's near century-old famous arts institution by becoming the first Muslim woman to perform 'Kathakali.'

Her maiden rendition was also the culmination of a Kalamandalam guru to see the famous and respected institution train a Muslim woman perform Kerala's iconic dance form.

On Thursday, during Vijayadashami, Sabri made her debut on the Kerala Kalamandalam stage here and called it an "unforgettable experience."

Following her 'arangettam' or debut, in which she performed the 'Krishna vesham purappadu,' Sabri said, "I am very happy that I was able to achieve my dream today (Thursday). Dance is