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.
Comments
Mr. Jayant is the senior most Justice in the country and as per seniority should have been made the Chief Justice of any High court. But as a reward for his honesty he is punished and victimised. Indian citizen lost their confidence in Legislature and Executive, now even Judiciary is under the clutches of Fascit forces. God save our Democracy & secular India.
You have to pay price of your honesty. But History will always remember you for your commitment
Politics politics... everywhere politics... it happen only in india
Merely because he is honest or independant judge does not mean that he is to be elevated according to his wishes.If he has resigned in protest against his transfer to Allahabad High Court than there should not be any uproar about it. He is a judge who is bound to render justice any where he is posted both honestly and independantly.
Sad to hear. One more victim of politics. In our country there is no SYSTEM in the POLITICS but there is POLITICS in all systems.
Transfer issue may be the reason. He might earned much so he dont want job anymore.. happy retirement
Why that much importance giving to him. He dont want to work so resigned. thats it
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