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Sheema Kermani

Sheema Kermani

Odissi Performer

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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

47+

Years of Experience

1

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Sheema Kermani

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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…

Journey Timeline

1951

Born in Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan

Mid-1960s

Began learning classical Indian dance — Started at age 13 from Mr. and Mrs. Ghanshyam in Karachi.

1977

Dance became an act of protest — General Zia-ul-Haq's martial law banned dance, making her performances a form of defiance.

1979

Founded Tehrik-e-Niswan Cultural Action Group

1984

First solo performance in Pakistan — Realized dance could be a voice for social change.

1988

Received ICCR scholarship and studied in India — Trained in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi under renowned gurus.

2005

Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize — Selected by PeaceWomen Across the Globe as one of Pakistan's most influential women.

2012

Received Women of Inspiration Award — Awarded by Wonder Women Association.

2013

Received ACHA Peace Star Award — Awarded by the Association for Communal Harmony in Asia (ACHA).

2018

Instrumental in launching Aurat March

2019

Documentary 'With Bells On Her Feet' won awards — Received Best Short Film and Audience Choice Award at SAFFM.

2023

Honored with Pride of Performance — Awarded by the Government of Pakistan.

Recent years

Gained international attention for 'Pasoori' appearance

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Video Library

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Signature Performances

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Performance Map

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Awards & Honors

  • 2005 · Nobel Peace Prize NominationPeaceWomen Across the Globe
  • 2012 · Women of Inspiration AwardWonder Women Association
  • 2013 · ACHA Peace Star AwardAssociation for Communal Harmony in Asia (ACHA)
  • 2019 · Best Short Film (for 'With Bells On Her Feet')South Asian Film Festival of Montreal (SAFFM)
  • 2019 · Audience Choice Award (for 'With Bells On Her Feet')South Asian Film Festival of Montreal (SAFFM)
  • 2023 · Pride of PerformanceGovernment of Pakistan

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