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.
Charge has lowered image'He said that the false allegation made by her was being published in the print media and aired in the electronic media. Thebaseless allegation' has lowered his image in the eyes of his supporters, the petition said. 
Comments
It's better to BSY.. better than others
For our peaceful life and better future of country and children, need to kick out such communal minded politicians. If review history of Shobha, her record is low grade and always trying to ignite communal tension.
She is not only targeting one particular religion, within hindu religion, she side line other caste and always favoring so called upper caste.
It is not a good sign for our future generation and for the country.
Hope and Trust, qualified peace loving Kannadigas will teach good lesson to such communal mind politicians.
Jai Hind ! Jai Karnataka !
Very good now put your shoes in her mouth, she is a street bi**h can bark anything
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