THRISSUR: History was made in Kerala Kalamandalam when Sabri acquired Kathakali Mudras from Kalamandalam Gopi. Sabri is the first Muslim girl to get admission to Kalamandalam for Kathakali.

Sabri is the daughter of Kollam Anchal native Nizam and Anisha. She has joined class 8. She had won prizes in Oppana and Mohiniyattam group competitions at the school arts festival. It was her long-time desire to join Kalamandalam to learn Kathakali.

Kalamandalam Aromal, a Kathakali actor from Chadayamangalam, recognized Sabri's talent and suggested she join Kalamandalam. She is currently training in the Thekkan Chitta (southern style of acting).

Last year, Kalamandalam started enrolling girls in Kathakali in class VIII.

Attracted to Kathakali
Sabri was attracted by the dark Kathakali costume and acting. She used to go to various temple festivals with her father, a photographer, and watch Kathakali. Sabri has the constant support of her parents. She has a brother-Muhammad Yasin, a Plus Two student.