THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Today, Shibina Ramla will be dressed as Lord Krishna and Yashoda, adorned with a garland and a crown will mark a new milestone at Margi's Natyagriha. This tradition, spanning half a century will witness a momentous event this evening. For the very first time, a young Muslim woman will make her debut in Nangyarkoothu performing the story of Srikrishna Leela. Margi Usha, the guru will oversee this remarkable occasion.

Shibina Ramla, 37 years old hails from Srikariyam, Thiruvananthapuram. She holds the position of HR Associate Director at Crafton India Company in Bengaluru. Despite her demanding professional role, she has maintained a profound interest in dance since her early years. She has studied both Mohiniyattam and Western dance forms.

Shibina has now dedicated herself to Nangyarkooth as a lifelong pursuit. Margi, who imparts the teachings of Nangyarkooth, got acquainted with Usha two years ago through social media. As her passion grew stronger, she reached out to her guru and expressed her aspirations. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Shibina engaged in online learning. She attended three classes per week conducted over Zoom. She diligently memorized the intricate mudras and Sanskrit hymns. After her regular work hours, she would endure more than two hours of traffic congestion in Bengaluru before settling down for her studies late into the night.

‘Observing the playfulness in my nature, my teacher taught me the essence of Srikrishna Leela,’ Shibina explains with a smile. Among the various facets of Lord Krishna's character, Shibina particularly resonates with his mischievousness. As a child, she fondly recalls watching televised renditions of the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

For her debut performance, Shibina's husband Suraj, an engineer and her daughter Mihira, a fourth-standard student have joined her in Bengaluru.

‘Art transcends caste and religion, allowing entry into temples of creativity. The opportunity to perform within a temple's sacred precincts would be a deeply gratifying experience.’

-- Shibina Ramla

‘The amalgamation of caste and religion within art would jeopardize dance forms like Nangyarkooth, potentially leading them towards extinction.’

-- Margi Usha