Sheema Kermani

🪔 About

Sheema Kermani, born on January 16, 1951, in Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan, is a distinguished Pakistani classical dancer, actress, and social activist. Her parents migrated from India during the Partition. Kermani began her artistic journey at the age of eight, learning piano and Western classical music. At thirteen, she started her training in classical Indian dance under Mr. and Mrs. Ghanshyam, who had established a dance and music center in Karachi. She later became a staff member and performer at their institute, the Rhythmic Arts Academy. Kermani pursued further education in Fine Arts in the UK while continuing her dance practice. In 1988, she received an ICCR (Indian Council of Cultural Relations) scholarship, enabling her to study extensively in India. There, she trained in Bharatanatyam under Guru Leela Samson, Kathak under Ram Mohan, and Odissi under Guru Mayadhar Raut and Aloka Pannikar, spending three years immersed in these forms. Her first solo performance in Pakistan took place in 1984. Kermani is widely recognized for her pivotal role in sustaining and promoting Bharatanatyam in Pakistan, particularly during General Zia-ul-Haq's martial law, when classical dance faced severe restrictions and was effectively banned. Her performances during this period became acts of protest and defiance. In 1979, Kermani founded Tehrik-e-Niswan Cultural Action Group (Women's Movement), an organization that utilizes theatre and performing arts to raise awareness about women's rights, health, education, equality, and broader social justice issues. She identifies as a feminist and Marxist, advocating for social change through her art and activism. Beyond dance, Kermani is an accomplished actress and theatre practitioner, performing for both stage and television. She also teaches dance and drama, holding positions at institutions such as Szabist University, Karachi; National College of Arts, Lahore; and Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi. She is currently pursuing a PhD in History from the University of Karachi. In recent years, Kermani gained renewed international recognition for her appearance in the popular Coke Studio song 'Pasoori'. She is married to Pakistani theatre actor and writer Khalid Ahmed. Awards & Honours: Nobel Peace Prize Nomination (2005), Women of Inspiration Award (2012), ACHA Peace Star Award (2013), Best Short Film (for 'With Bells On Her Feet') (2019), Audience Choice Award (for 'With Bells On Her Feet') (2019), Pride of Performance (2023).