Mangaluru, Feb 26: The 'Yakshagana' stage in Karnataka is witnessing a curious spectacle with a Muslim woman artiste creating waves with her performances.
Arshiya, the artiste from Vittal in Dakshina Kannada district, is the first woman from the Muslim community to venture into the popular traditional theatre art form.
At one time, women were barred from Yakshagana stages.
A Muslim woman exponent on stage has attracted the attention of 'Yakshagana' lovers in the state.
Arshiya is now getting advanced training in her skills at the Kadali Kala Kendra under Ramesh Bhat here.
Arshiya, who is fond of 'Bannada Vesha' (villain roles), is now known in her stage name 'Tanu Vitla.'
She has already performed various episodes on stage and gained popularity.
Arshiya, currently working in an automobile showroom at Padil, said she was attracted to the art form from a very young age.
The initial enchantment with the art form came as she saw the role of Mahishasura in 'Sri Devi Mahatme Yakshagana Prasanga' (episode) performed near her home town.
She was attracted to all the elements of the art form, which combines music, percussion, dance, dialogues, stage techniques, make-up and costume.
Arshiya said she was also inspired by a teacher in her school at Vittal who trained her for a performance on stage during the school's annual day celebration.
She started performing on local stages at Vittal at the very young age of 10.
Arshiya now performs prominent roles on stage including Mahishasura in Sri Devi Mahatme Prasanga, the role which enamoured her in her childhood.
She also has donned the roles of Nishambhasura, Rakthabeejasura, Srinivas Kalyana, Sudarshanopakyana, Kadamba Kaushike and Shambavi Vijaya.
Her performances at Udupi and Karwar besides Mangaluru have earned her a lot of admirers, who love her 'Asura' roles, thanks to her loud voice.
Arshiya now wants to learn the 'Chende' (percussion instrument), which is an important element in Yakshagana performances.
Arshiya revealed that there was a bit of resistance from her community about her passion for the art form, but she had staunch backing of her family.
“It will be my endeavour to ensure that benefit of various government schemes for minorities reaches the last person among them,” said Mr Gafoor while thanking Chief Minister Siddaramiah and other party leaders for trusting him and giving him the new responsibility.
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Dear sir,
Firstly Congratulations... Sir if possible Kindly visit at Kalaburgi KMDC branch and see how they disrespect poor students.. i also experienced . I feel deeply ashamed why am i poor why did i came here Look's like they're paying from their pocket.
Requesting you to take some action against them.
Congratulations Gafoor Bhai
Muneer khan
Muslim industries Associtation
Bangalore
Congratulation Mr.Gafoor bhai best of Luck
He is one of the leader since decade who is working for congress. Down to earth person and deserve the position. I wish him best for his new assignments.
Mabrook... Wish you all the best
Al Hamdulillah, Finally your efforts came true, Wish you all the best
MUBARAK HO
GOOD NEWS
BEST OF LUCK
GAFOOR BAHI
Congratulation brother.
Gafoor sab nice to see u again here.
wow good news, looking forward for the better development in MDC, all the best.
very prominent leader, those who have chosen this guy for this post are very lucky to get service from him.
wow gafoor bhai all the best.
Congratulation Mr.Gafoor. Wish you all the best.
CONGRATS GAFOOR BHAI...............
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