Dr. Abu

🪔 About

K.M. Abu, often referred to as Dr. Abu, is a distinguished figure in Indian classical dance, particularly renowned for his contributions to Mohiniyattam. Born to Kodiyil Muhammed and Kulsa in Wayanad, Kerala, his passion for classical dance forms began at a young age, leading him to start learning dance at the age of 10 under Guru Kalamandalam Omana Vijayakumar. He pursued formal education in dance, completing a six-year post-diploma course in Bharathanatyam from RLV College of Tripunithura, which he passed in 1992. Subsequently, he earned a four-year diploma in Mohiniyattam with first class, graduating in 1996. Dr. Abu joined the Sree Sankaracharya Sanskrit University in Kalady as a junior lecturer in 1997. He continued his academic pursuits, completing an MA in Mohiniyattam with distinction in 2002 and a Masters in Bharathanatyam in 2004. His significant academic achievement came in January 2015 when he was awarded a PhD by Kerala Kalamandalam, a deemed university dedicated to performing arts. His doctoral thesis focused on the artistic journey of the eminent Mohiniyattam exponent, Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma. This accomplishment made him the first Muslim man to receive a doctorate in Mohiniyattam, a dance form traditionally associated with women and Hindu mythology, thereby breaking significant gender and religious barriers. Throughout his career, Dr. Abu has performed Mohiniyattam at over 50 venues across Kerala. He is currently a senior lecturer in the dance department of Sree Sankaracharya Sanskrit University in Kalady and is slated for promotion to associate professor. While he is a performer, his primary interest lies in teaching and choreography, contributing to the propagation and evolution of these classical art forms. Awards & Honours: PhD in Mohiniyattam (2015).