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I think Muslim men see my dancing as a challenge to them, says Sheema Kermani

I think Muslim men see my dancing as a challenge to them, says Sheema Kermani

The extraordinary dancer talks about how her craft fared under General Zia's regime and more
Updated 12 Jan, 2016

I had the pleasure of interviewing classical dancer and performer extraordinaire Sheema Kermani in Karachi some time ago.

Seeing Kermani perform in Pakistan is always a pleasure because her performances are a celebration of the cultural history of this part of the world that dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Kermani hosted a two day dance festival at the Arts Council of Karachi, Pakistan to packed audiences followed by well-deserved standing ovations on both days.

Kermani hosted a two day dance festival at the Arts Council of Karachi, Pakistan to a packed house. —Photo by author
Kermani hosted a two day dance festival at the Arts Council of Karachi, Pakistan to a packed house. —Photo by author

Here, she talks about her childhood, her beliefs and what she'd do differently if she could go back in time.

Tell us a little about yourself.

My father belonged to well-established aristocratic family of UP, Lucknow, India. Originally the family is from Kerman in Iran and migrated to India where they settled in UP.

My mother’s family was from Hyderabad Deccan and my maternal grandfather was a District Sessions Judge in Hyderabad, Deccan, India.

My father after having graduated from Aligarh University joined the British India army as a commissioned officer. Then in 1947 he opted for Pakistan and came here as a member of the Pakistan Army. In 1949 he went back to India to get married. My father retired as a Brigadier from the army and then was the chairman of KESC till his retirement.

I was born the second of three children. I have an elder brother and a younger sister. My early education was in the convent schools of the cantonments where my father would be posted. Because of the frequent and many postings all over the country, we as children managed to see most of Pakistan, and because my grandparents were in India we used to travel by train every summer holidays and visit them there. So we had a great exposure to both India and Pakistan.

It was our early exposure to Indian classical dance and music that we had on our visits to Hyderabad, and to Western classical music of which my father was very fond of, that stirred my interest in the arts. As a young girl I had studied Western classical music and read all the classical literature that was available. My parents also gave us a wonderful exposure to the world of dance, drama and music.

Kermani (left) is a known Pakistani exponent of classical dance and a cultural activist. —Photo by author
Kermani (left) is a known Pakistani exponent of classical dance and a cultural activist. —Photo by author

We travelled all over Pakistan as well as around the globe and visited museums and art galleries and saw the best of performances in Europe and UK - I remember watching a ballet performance with Rudolph Nureyuv and Margot Fonteyn and seeing Laurence Oliver and Maggie Smith on stage. All of this was part of our education and upbringing.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in a patriarchal society like Pakistan?

Well I think that Muslim men see my dancing as a challenge to them! To the Muslim male a woman who is standing on stage with confidence and dignity, is they think saying to them that, “Here I am; I am proud of my body and I do not fear you”. This is totally unacceptable to them.

While some men challenge her, others join her in her mission. —Photo by author
While some men challenge her, others join her in her mission. —Photo by author

As far as I am concerned those who do not like dance or disapprove of it may not come to watch but I do not give them the right to stop me. I believe it is my right to do what I want; I do not force them to come to a performance so why should they force me to not dance?


I consider myself an activist of human rights issues and I strongly feel that I must do whatever I can to change this discrimination against women in our society so that she can find her place of dignity and respect.


Yes certainly for me dance is a means of communication and a political act. It is a statement that I make: I am free, independent and proud of my body and my being! My audience is varied – ordinary common people/public of Pakistan (when I perform at political forums, conferences and meetings) as well as those who buy tickets and come to see performances in the auditoriums.

What direction are the women of Pakistan headed in?

Well it is a strange and complex situation. On the one hand I believe that we are moving forward as far as the situation of women is concerned.

More women are now outdoors, working in almost all sectors of employment. In the cities women are going to schools, colleges, universities and getting professional and vocational training and education. Many women have joined the media and the many TV channels. But on the other hand we have large number of cases of ‘honour killings’, ‘acid burning’ and other such horrendous and criminal acts victimizing and targeting women.

Sheema founded Tehreek-i-Niswan, a cultural group that engages in dance and music and celebrates diversity —Photo by author
Sheema founded Tehreek-i-Niswan, a cultural group that engages in dance and music and celebrates diversity —Photo by author

I myself am a Marxist and a feminist. I believe in the Marxist ideology and a vision of a classless society where men and women hold an equal status.

However, I believe that feminism is recognition of the existence of sexism, male domination and patriarchy and the desire to change this situation. I consider myself an activist of human rights issues and I strongly feel that I must do whatever I can to change this discrimination against women in our society so that she can find her place of dignity and respect. It is the values that have to change and the attitudes towards women both of society and state.

How has dance evolved over the years in Pakistan?

Classical dance was banned in Pakistan by President General Zia ul Haq in 1983. Ever since then it has been very difficult to perform and to exist as a dancer in Pakistan.

Kermani's social activism has been churning ever since Zia-ul- Haq’s regime, when dance came to be seen as an activity highly disliked by the state and the clergy. —Photo by author
Kermani's social activism has been churning ever since Zia-ul- Haq’s regime, when dance came to be seen as an activity highly disliked by the state and the clergy. —Photo by author

All the other dancers had left the country by 1983 and I was the only dancer practicing and teaching in Pakistan. The biggest problem is that to hold a public performance one has to obtain a NOC – No Objection Certificate. This is a very tough and laborious bureaucratic procedure. For this one has to go through a disgusting procedure of official bureaucratic rigmarole, running to various offices and finally getting a piece of paper which states: “dancing, nudity, obscenity not allowed; Dresses of Islamic origin only to be worn; No dress so tight as to reveal the vital curves of the body not to be worn; Nothing to go against Islamic values ”.


I was recently at a party where I overheard a lady saying to the other about me, “Don’t sit next to her, she is a dancer”. Often I have stepped out dressed for a performance and looked around to see if someone is there to shoot or attack me.


Often when the governments are obscurantist as General Zia ul Haq’s was, then it becomes all the more difficult and sometimes impossible. As for the social attitudes towards dance- well I decided early in life to not let that bother me. I don’t conform.

Has the political situation of Pakistan impacted your work? If so, how?

Often I have received death threats from fundamentalist groups -- a hotel where I was performing was sent bomb threats and so on and so forth. So this is something I have been facing right from the very beginning. I was recently at a party where I overheard a lady saying to the other about me “don’t sit next to her, she is a dancer”. Often I have stepped out dressed for a performance and looked around to see if someone is there to shoot or attack me.

Well yes, I do see all that I do as political activism. I am a political person and I believe there is no politics without art.

Kermani, has mastered several Indian classical dance forms – ­including Kathak, Bharatanatyam and Odissi. —Photo by author
Kermani, has mastered several Indian classical dance forms – ­including Kathak, Bharatanatyam and Odissi. —Photo by author

I believe that perhaps culture is the only medium that can help our country to overcome the ethnic, religious and linguistic divide. Culture overcomes barriers of language and geography and all else.

What is the importance of dance in Pakistani culture today?

I believe that dance is part of our lives – we are only alive when we are dancing! I personally do not see dance as either Hindu or Muslim; I believe this would be the same as to say that there is a Hindu bomb and a Muslim bomb – does the bomb choose between Hindu and Muslim – does it not destroy irrespective of religion? ! In the same way I feel that dance should not be called Hindu or Muslim.

Besides, I am sure that dance existed pre-religion. At the time of the Mohenjodaro civilization there was much importance given to dance

If you could go back in time and change things in your career, what would you do differently? Any future projects/goals we should keep a look out for?

What I would like is to be in a position where I can set up a cultural complex for women, where women can get together without fear and inhibition, simply sit and relax, develop their creative potentials, read and write, sing and dance, learn and do yoga and whatever else they want to and find a shelter for themselves.

Words of wisdom for aspiring dancers from Pakistan?

Dance is perhaps the most beautiful possession that we humans have – let us preserve it in its true and pure form. I feel every one must dance. Dance, to free your self!

Comments

Dawn Admirer Jan 12, 2016 02:12pm
I guess there are more significant challenges at hand than this one!
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Sanjeeb Bose Jan 12, 2016 02:17pm
Brave Lady !! Best wishes to you.
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Abdulla Hussain Jan 12, 2016 02:19pm
Words of wisdom for aspiring dancers from Pakistan? Dance is perhaps the most beautiful possession that we humans have – let us preserve it in its true and pure form. I feel every one must dance. Dance, to free your self! PERHAPS not.
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Hari Jan 12, 2016 02:21pm
Really touching piece. May her tribe increase.
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Hass Jan 12, 2016 02:22pm
I am glad 95% women do not think like you
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Another Indian sri1 Jan 12, 2016 02:23pm
I am amazed by the perseverance of those patriots who still stick by their motherland in spite of its alienating environment. Those artists and other minorities need to just preserve their artistic freedom by moving to the neighboring behemoth where they would clearly be celebrated. Ditto with scientists like Abdus Salam and his entire community, just leave hook or crook - haven't you had enough?
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yarana Jan 12, 2016 02:28pm
Thank you we need more people like you.
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sid Jan 12, 2016 02:29pm
enlightened!...way to go
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Thinkers Jan 12, 2016 02:29pm
Life without music and dance is boaring life..........
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Syed Irfan Ali Jan 12, 2016 02:30pm
Another extraordinary and brave soul in our country. We pray for her safety and well being. Her dance skills are a treasure that must be transferred to her students to keep this art alive in Pakistan.
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Indian Woman Jan 12, 2016 02:32pm
Ms. Mariam could have at least mentioned the names of the danceforms depicted in the photographs. Being a dancer myself, I know not everyone can identify a danceform from its attire. These photographs are a mix of Kathak and Odissi. And glad to know that danceforms other than Kathak are also practised in Pakistan :) Thanks Sheema Kermani ji :)
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Taimoor Khan Jan 12, 2016 02:51pm
Not really. We see it as something alien to our culture and traditions, the dance she is trying to project.
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Akbar Sait Jan 12, 2016 03:01pm
Wonderful lady a great talent. Her challenges to Pakistani society , like so many challenges is vital for human progress and development. An inspiration to all who question the idea that the clergy somehow have a justified monopoly on morality and religious wisdom.
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OBSERVER Jan 12, 2016 03:01pm
@Hass How do you know?
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Rani Sharma Jan 12, 2016 03:03pm
Why are Pakistani Muslims never honest? They are descended from Hindus but they will never admit to it.
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Pran Jan 12, 2016 03:12pm
Dance is a way to relax and it definitely gives power to the peformer which will not be appreciated by people who hold antediluvian beliefs.
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Veejey Shah Jan 12, 2016 03:12pm
@Indian Woman The reporter has referred to it from Indus Valley Civilization. Why are they afraid to relate it to India? There is no doubt that it is a part of our shared heritage and it seems that such acceptance is very hard to come by in Pakistan.
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Abdulla Hussain Jan 12, 2016 03:19pm
These dances are basically from Indian culture not suitable in Pakistan.
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shubs Jan 12, 2016 03:34pm
A country where you receive death threats for being a classical dancer! There is really no hope. Thank God, that for all its problems and issues, my country India is still a land where the performing arts are held in the highest social esteem. In my neighborhood in the South of India, sending a child to learn classical dance and music is considered as sacred and important, if not more, as getting her/him a good education.
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sam Jan 12, 2016 03:47pm
Really in Pakistan .. very nice
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Swarup Jan 12, 2016 03:58pm
I did not know that after 1947 the humanity inherited a dichotomy called DANCE!!! Had Ms. Kermani been in India, she would have been given the highest civilian honours like Padmashri or Padmabhushan by the President. To see that a President in Pakistan brought a moratorium on a classical dance forms is a shock; and to read comments from my Pakistani brothers that are so unwelcoming of women who are god gifted and great ambassadors for society-saddens me. Dance forms she performs are not even remotely titillating and vulgar in comparison to the stage Mujra traditions that Punjab has (1000s videos on Youtube!!). May she find peace in her dance...
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vs Jan 12, 2016 04:02pm
Great spiritual world lady.Bravo Dawn for publishing this story.
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JATT Jan 12, 2016 04:15pm
@Another Indian sri1 The real sadness is that her parents are both Indians and she loves her indian culture her dances are typical of her motherland India but in Punjab, Kashmir, Sind, baluchistan and NWFP no one dances or dresses like her she should really go to India she will fit in better there and I think all migrants should decide were they will be happier and stay or go there.
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Tariq, Lahore Jan 12, 2016 04:15pm
Obviously we as society are culturally so polarized by religious fervor that we have lost sight of 'art forms' that sooth the soul be it visual, audio or any other sensory form. All should exist side by side in moderation where no one forces the other to indulge! This dire 'experiment' is to the detriment perhaps to the survival of the country in the long haul?
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JATT Jan 12, 2016 04:16pm
@Indian Woman Thank you for confirming this dance is from Eastern India.
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VIJAYAN Jan 12, 2016 04:20pm
@Dawn Admirer This is the most important challenge... Its called freedom..
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Surya Kant Jan 12, 2016 04:31pm
Dance is a prayer by Dancer to Existence....
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Bob Jan 12, 2016 04:41pm
Brave lady. Surprised to know that one has to struggle so much to pursue one's hobby. Hats off to her for keeping alive various dance forms. She is welcome to perform in India too.
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Deepak Talwar Jan 12, 2016 04:45pm
Without music, dance, literature, art (and wine), life will be dreadful and dull. Like a world sans colour and beauty.
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Rahman Jan 12, 2016 04:56pm
Nice, but what the lady as well as Dawn does not make a reference is that the still pose (mudra as it is called) pictures herein is classical Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu) or Kuchipudi (Andhra style). I also see "Kathak" as well. Please be informed. Some may also argue that it is odissi which is also a classic dance derived from the South, especially the mudra.
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Jawad Jan 12, 2016 04:56pm
All the best to you. Bring light in Pakistan. Thanks!! Pakistan is land of ancient indus Valley civilization and we are proud of our history of sub continent.
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KnowTheTruth Jan 12, 2016 05:02pm
The article (as usual), tries to hide the Indian cultural connection by quoting "Indus valley". The dances performed by Sheemaji are Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kathak and Manipuri. All of these are Indian classical dances. Hats off to Ms.Sheema for keeping these dance forms alive in a country like Pakistan where anything Indian is shunned.
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Adventurer Jan 12, 2016 05:02pm
@Abdulla Hussain It is narrow mind - dance is an form of art and it has no jurisdiction and no classification based on caste, colour, religion, country. Do not forget Pakistan split, so habits still linger.
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Mohammad Ziaullah Jan 12, 2016 05:04pm
If a man is practicing muslim he wouldn't bother with women dancing, let alone the challenge for dancing.
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Keti Zilgish Jan 12, 2016 05:06pm
A true dancer is more like a siren than a musician.
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Sheema Kermani Jan 12, 2016 05:06pm
@Indian Woman - thank you for your observation. Yes I agree with you that the photos should carry the names of the performers as well as the dance form. This was a 2 day Classical Dance Festival- I had planned a 3 day Festival but the auditorium was only available for 2 nights. My idea was to have 3 evenings of the 3 forms of dance that I practice and teach: Bharatanatyam, Odissi and Kathak. However what we finally did was one evening of Bharatanatyam and the second evening we divided into 2 parts: Oddisi and Kathak after interval.
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Komal S Jan 12, 2016 05:08pm
In Pakistan you have to get NOC to conduct a dance recital, but everybody is worried about how muslims are treated in USA.
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Sheema Kermani Jan 12, 2016 05:11pm
@Taimoor Khan - Dear Taimoor if you read and are acquainted with your history and your culture you will understand how very much part of you this dance is and very far from being alien. Alien are the kind of dances that one sees in films- I do not quite understand how to relate to them but these are the forms that have been practiced in the whole of the sub-continent since the time of Mohenjodaro and Harrapa and the Indus Valley Civilisation! The evidence is staring you in the eyes if you open them and read your history, your literature and your heritage. Thank you.
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Dipak Singh Jan 12, 2016 05:20pm
A brave lady, a brave soul, respect from India.
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Mujtaba Jan 12, 2016 05:39pm
Brave lady...
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Saad Jan 12, 2016 05:48pm
@ Tariq, I totally agree with you. Everything should exist side by side and in moderation. And no one forces other to indulge. Religion in our country is forced onto others, it is not necessarily in the physical form but anyone not following it diligently is looked as inferior or infidel which does not create a strong society.
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Imran Ahmed Jan 12, 2016 05:55pm
Well done! Proud to see brave women not submitting to the tyranny of a patriarchal and repressive society.
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spart Jan 12, 2016 06:01pm
God bless You Sheema Kermani.......Be Safe Dear.
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wiserneighbour Jan 12, 2016 06:02pm
Ms.Kermani,Frogs in the well see that as the only world existing.You should open up your mind, accept other cultures and civilisations.Many Muslim woman dance ,indian classical dances, though they are few.End of the day ,you should be free to do what you like the most.Kudos for pursuing what you believed in.
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Maxx Jan 12, 2016 06:02pm
@shubs in India on the contrary you can be killed by having your independent views and not aligning with with the Hindu extremist views. Check the murder of MM Kalburgi, and three to four more independent writers. Intolerance in India is as bad as it can gets. Not to mention anyone can be lynched for eating beef. Unlike the preconceived notions performing arts is doing fine here in Pakistan.
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KK Jan 12, 2016 06:05pm
Brave lady and great pictures. Lets hope you inspire future generations.
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ukumar Jan 12, 2016 06:08pm
While a great article, the line I liked that they visited their grand parents in India every summer by train. I wish that free movement, like in Europe, can happen in subcontinent. This could happen even when her father was in Pakistani Army. What happened?
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PT Jan 12, 2016 06:19pm
@Sheema Kermani Simply loved the performance.
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Third Pary Jan 12, 2016 06:28pm
@Dawn Admirer Why ? This is the most significant challenge You should work on.
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swati Jan 12, 2016 06:31pm
Hope Men should take it positively and Other than Cricket , Dance can be common to join India and Pakistan... Nobody wants to follow rules which are extremists and create anger in our mind.... Dance Bring PEACE !
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VA Jan 12, 2016 06:32pm
@Sheema Kermani Why do not you take part in various dance festivals in India? I think you should.
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schal Jan 12, 2016 06:38pm
@Dawn Admirer What is a bigger challenge than being unable to express your creative side, other than surviving a bomb explosion or dying of hunger?
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schal Jan 12, 2016 06:40pm
@Hass I am glad 95% of people (men or women) do not think like you!
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Sampath Jan 12, 2016 06:41pm
Gifted are these artists that perform classical music music or dance. In the case of lady Sheema she is brave taking the risks of performing these forms of dance in her country when so many seem to want nothing to do with it. I remember the wonderful concert by Pakistani artists Zeb and Haniya who indirectly hinted as to how tough it was for them as musicians while growing up in Pakistan. I also remember listening to raag charukeshi (supposedly a south indian raaga adapted to hindustani classical) played by Lucknow's Shahid Parvezji on his sitar and thinking how shallow this hindu muslim divide is. Arts and music have the power to break the barriers and build bridges and one hopes more opportunities are given to artists.
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Changez_Khan Jan 12, 2016 06:43pm
Dancing is an art and she is real good in that.
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schal Jan 12, 2016 06:43pm
@Taimoor Khan True, these dances are different from the usual bollywood hip-swinging and bosom-heaving stuff.
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Taimoor Khan Jan 12, 2016 07:08pm
@Sheema Kermani Dear Sheema. I would rather say that Dhamal, luddi, Bhangra, Khattak Dance (Pathan), Makrani Dance, these are the ones which are from my soil of Pakistan and have been passed on from generations to generations but that is not the case with Khatak, which should give clues as to why it is not practiced in Pakistan. Beaucse it is not from our lands. It is like saying the tango or salsa are Pakistani. One can ofcourse enjoy certain dance in individual capacity or with like minded people but to say that it belong to us as a nation is rather far fetched. With regards to Indus civilization , that is solely the domain of Pakistan and its inhabitants, just like Egypt is for Egyptians, Babylon is for the Iraqis. The difference between Indus and Ganges civilization must be understood, they are not the same, infact miles apart in every aspect.
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Umer Jan 12, 2016 07:11pm
Sorry, but women dancing for men, in public, is not appropriate according to our religion and norms.
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AbyK Jan 12, 2016 07:17pm
There is nothing wrong or vulgar about classical dancing. The vulgarity is in the mindset of the men who think so.
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Imran Jan 12, 2016 07:26pm
It takes lot of courage to be different in a society like Pakistan. Kudos to this women who dared to be different. People who are posting on this site are supposed to be educated, but yet their comments are so shallow and uninspiring.
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truth Jan 12, 2016 07:40pm
Its shocking to see so many negative comments here for dance and this courageous lady. A society that bans a simple and decent dance form or an art is a society that is irresponsible and more so a society in decline. This is where the fundamentalist mullahs will stand to gain who will put your daughters and mothers to shame for just being women...so watch and tread carefully in being negative on art.
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Tushar Choudhary Jan 12, 2016 07:45pm
I envy Pakistan that has such people. How I wish you were in India. Pakistanis do not deserve you. But, you are doing a great job of educating born idiots. Kudos to all those sane people in Pakistan who let you perform. Wish you all success! Kudos to Dawn for such beautiful write ups. If only Pakistani politicians and leaders were as forward-looking as Dawn editors and management. I appreciate the risks they take in publishing such articles. My salutes! Pakistan has a great future if it follows Dawn. Doomed if it ignores Dawn.
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Sohaina Jan 12, 2016 07:48pm
Well first of all my salutes to Sheema Kermani then a big thanks to Mariam Magsi for writing and Dawn to publish an excellent article. It’s the need of time that change should come and it can only come through the means of freedom of speech. Artist would draw, writer and poet would write, actor would perform and dancer would dance.
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Sohaina Jan 12, 2016 07:49pm
There is nothing bad about dance or music. Well we can never separate us from the history and heritage of Sub-Continent and with that came the different forms of dance; Bharatanatym, Odissi, Khatak, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Khatakali, Mohiniattam, Koodiyattam and so many which are not practised here but what so non-Pakistani about it. Pakistan came into existence from the sub-continent and with that came so many traditions, cultures and genres. Why so afraid of it, does it shakes your religion or belief system, is your conviction about your religion so weak that you need to end everything in order to remain true to what you believe in.
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JORDAR THALIA Jan 12, 2016 07:49pm
@Abdulla Hussain No. It is common culture. This has nothing to do with the Sovereign Status of the countries in the South Asia (Rashtram)
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Sohaina Jan 12, 2016 07:49pm
Someone called it alien, another person called not our culture. Have any of you never get a chance to read about your very own Indus Valley Civilization where a Dancing Girl Figurine has been found. The dance is not alien, it is just this that we (People of Pakistan) from the very start have been kept away from everything which could bring harmony, diversity, pluralism, freedom of self because it was a threat for the politicians and for the martial law because dance, music, poetry, literature and art were the answers to their unjust behaviour to the civilians for a more open society. They made it a point to give the wrong connotation of dance. Dance is a pure form where you are rooted with the mother earth and with humility you bow down to your ego, where you connects with the universe, your soul is in harmony with nature and rhythmic to the sounds of sheer bliss. It’s the soul that dances through the body movements.
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Sohaina Jan 12, 2016 07:50pm
Dancing is way of storytelling of your culture, heritage, tradition, about some specific thing; it could be a farmer telling the story about harvesting the crop or may be a tale of a fisherman etc. By saying everything bad other than what we think is right would only make this society ugly, stale, fanatic, sadist, in other words it is simply giving your thoughts and actions in the hands of terrorism.
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Ashok Jan 12, 2016 07:52pm
Dear Sheema sister! Please let us have the pleasure of your performance in India.
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JORDAR THALIA Jan 12, 2016 08:04pm
@Sheema Kermani Rightly said, madam. Let us think together, walk together, act together, for whole humanity. That is our common culture.
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khulusjaan Jan 12, 2016 08:20pm
Many challenges are there, still she is committed to performing, unearths her great passion for her field.
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jatindra deo Jan 12, 2016 08:33pm
@Sheema Kermani Its amazing Sheema to find a Odissi performer right in the heart of Pakistan ! I am from the state of Odisha the origin of this beautiful dance form .What I find amiss is the name of the dance form in the article along with others visible in the pictures like Kathak .This world never ceases to amaze me .May the force be with you !
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Sunil Jan 12, 2016 08:48pm
This is called freedom.
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FutureWizard Jan 12, 2016 08:58pm
Seema mam, if you are ever performing in USA, I would love to come and see your performance. One question, is there any way are you related to great Indian cricketer 'Syed Kirmani' ? Based on your last name he may be from Kemran too?
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WaheedNoor Jan 12, 2016 09:05pm
Shocking. Looking at the conditions on the NOC one would think Islam is in danger because of these dances.
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suresh Jan 12, 2016 09:15pm
Brave lady. I admired your commitment toward dance as art. Salute to you. Long live Seema ji
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Tara, USA Jan 12, 2016 09:19pm
I assume you have a dance school where well-to-do families send their children to learn this specialty. If you advertiae it as a "Fitness School" and dance as an excellent exercise for all parts of the body, many more will join and parents will be more willing. I think the muslim society opposes it mainly because they do not want their kids to be performing in public. If I had learnt this art, I would have been a much healthier older woman even by just dancing at home for myself or my family. It is a healthy exercise. All the best.
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Abdulla Hussain Jan 12, 2016 09:42pm
@Sheema Kermani: If you are talking about culture then you know better that the culture in Pakistan has no link with these dances, these basically depicts Hindu culture, also wearing Sari being one of the many. To explain some take for example Bharathanatyam is a form of Indian classical dance that originated in the temples of Tamil Nadu. It was described in the treatise Natya Shastra by Bharata around the beginning of the common era. Bharata Natyam is known for its grace, elegance, purity, tenderness, expression and sculpturesque poses. Lord Shiva in his Nataraja form is considered the God of this dance.
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nj01 Jan 12, 2016 09:51pm
Great work Sheema!! Proud of your spirit and keeping your great art forms in a very odd envioronment. Being an artist, I must say that a human can not grow humanly if any form of art is not included in growing age. In India, we are very fortunate to have this culture!! And, tremendous opportunity to grow. I see my Pakistani friends in US, they are afraid to dance, sing and learn music/dance.
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SS Jan 12, 2016 09:59pm
amazed to see baratnatyam - a classical dance form Tamil Nadu (Madras) being practiced in Pakistan. This goes on to show how borders are purely man made
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Faraz Husain Jan 12, 2016 10:10pm
@Swarup so true!! thanks for pointing out. I wish her struggle brings some positive and open mindedness in my country :)
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Musthaque Jan 12, 2016 10:16pm
Its true Islam does not promote dance by women and music by strings..Its against the morals and values Islam put forward..But acceping and respecting the culture and values ofother religion and culture is also part of Islam. As pious say its always the intention tht put weight in front of Almighty. So there is no room for hatered for the performares of other culture rather our vision should be of inclusive were all perfomers of various culture live side by side in harmony
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Ashis Jan 12, 2016 10:18pm
very good sensible article. Initially I could not believe that Madam Sheema belongs to Pakistan. It is really hard to believe that Indian classical dance is performing in Pakistan and getting popular. Lot of good comments are given here. Some people say Indian classical dance is an alien in Pakistan. Some says it is not the part of Pakistani culture. How come these people forgot that entire Pakistan once a part of Indus valley. All these classical music and dance are the asset of entire sub continent. Do they think that they are the part of Arab? My dear friend these Arab's are never consider you as one of them. They still call you Hindu. For them Hindu is the name of the geography not any religion. Try to understand your originality.
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Asma Jan 12, 2016 10:19pm
Hats off to you sheema karmani.
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Jalaluddin S. Hussain Jan 12, 2016 10:23pm
As a Pakistani-Canadian I am proud of you. Keep it up!
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Real Indian Jan 12, 2016 10:31pm
Ms. Sheema would be more appreciated in India or in other open minded countries than in Pakistan. Personally I feel there is no point in wasting her in energy in the restrictive environment of Pakistan.
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Sachin Jan 12, 2016 10:37pm
Very cool. Keeping alive the 5000 year old Indus Valley Civilization and Cultural beauty
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Bhagwan Goklani Jan 12, 2016 10:40pm
Well done Karmani, hats off to you. I believe you are a magnificent artist and a brave humanist. It does not matter whether you are Hindu, Zorastrian or Muslim, you are an inspiration to humanity. May God bless you and keep you safe, growing and touching new heights in your future endeavors. Om Shanti
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Khalid Toronto Jan 12, 2016 10:51pm
It's not because of my religious views, but I do not really enjoy watching this sort of dancing. It does nothing for me. I would rather watch a Japanese news channel.
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Bhagwan Goklani Jan 12, 2016 11:03pm
Thanks Dawn for publishing the article and opening some eyes and minds.
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Sumit Mazumdar Jan 12, 2016 11:12pm
@Hass Please provide data on the research you did to arrive at your conclusion - that 95% of women do not think like Kermani
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Prasad Jan 12, 2016 11:20pm
Howmuch Pakistan is loosing by distancing itself from ancient rich culture??
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Afy Jan 12, 2016 11:27pm
Brave lady no doubt. Kudos to her sprit. Ordinary people can't do such things. People have problem distinguishing between religion and culture. Sub continent may have various religions but one culture based on love and respect,which is intermingled with religion too. Things got out of hand when people of this region started identifying themselves with Arabs. That's the cause of all this hatred towards music and dance which is stifling our societies. She is doing a great service to this land and it's people. God give her and souls like her more power.
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hellboy Jan 12, 2016 11:29pm
@Abdulla Hussain : Better then invention of Muzraa and mid east belly dance.Indian classical dance are more popular in western countries than India.
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shuaib Jan 12, 2016 11:44pm
@RANI SHARMA, How do you know Pakistani Muslims are not honest about their Indian/Hindu ancestry ? I have never hid the fact that my ancestors were Hindu Rajputs and i have well preserved family history going back at least six hundreds years to prove it. I am neither proud nor ashamed of it because you do not get to chose your parents :-)
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KN Jan 13, 2016 12:24am
These classical dance forms Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi,are very popular in India. Millions of Indian children learn and practice these dances The artists are greatly appreciated and respected
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Afzal Jan 13, 2016 12:27am
@Rani Sharma Not all Muslims in Pakistan or India are descendants of Hindus. Secondly what purpose would be served by admitting or not admitting who were their forefathers. Does being linked with Hinduism make any one inferior or superior?
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kam Jan 13, 2016 12:57am
Almost all commenters here have not grappled with the real issue with this dancer and her art. As a practicing Muslim l shall make an attempt. Most extremists wrongly believe certain things to be an attack against Islam. If this dance is explained to be cultural ( which it is) and not sexually provocative (which it isn't) than their can be no objection to it. Islam has never been against culture, traditions etc. Only uneducated, or stupid extremists would object. May you and your art prosper.
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Rajendra Jhariya Jan 13, 2016 12:58am
Seema ji has always been my favourite as artist ..........Respect from my side
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Jatt Jan 13, 2016 01:38am
@kam it does not belong to the culture of what is today Pakistan and never has even on the part of Punjab himachel and Haryana in India no native does these south and East Indian dances kermani is an ethnic South Indian and hence her dances it has nothing to do with Pakistanis today or even centuries ago, south and east India never had the same culture as north west India
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Multinational Bhabi Jan 13, 2016 02:13am
@Taimoor Khan You are writing in English - that does not belong to Pakistan or Indus Valley Civilisation either but you seem comfortable expressing your thoughts in it. I am sure you wear or have worn pants which again is not our 'culture' either. Point is that cultures, practices, beliefs evolve over time. They are influenced by people's interactions, migrations, mingling. That's how the world works
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dhurandhar Jan 13, 2016 03:22am
Fabulous article. I am going to search on Youtube for hopefully an upload of these performances. Always fascinating to see classical dance forms being interpreted by those not native to the country of origin though in this case origin begins to lose meaning knowing the years of shared history. Thanks for the wonderful coverage!
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dhurandhar Jan 13, 2016 03:24am
@Rani Sharma and exactly why is that important? art has to be practiced and enjoyed without a care and whit for what your faith and beliefs are. Lets stick to relevant discussions, shall we?
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Faraz Jan 13, 2016 03:30am
@Rani Sharma In a male bashing culture, Kermani is allowed to represent her preserved cultural heritage, half Indian and half Iranian in our free country. Not all have that cultural similarity, you can safely say that Punjab and Sindh more so than Baluchistan and NWFP.
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saeeds Jan 13, 2016 03:46am
I only wish our 95% popluation think like you but with this quality only few can perform like you. You are unique and beautiful person . Love this article. Thank MM
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manzer Jan 13, 2016 04:29am
I am sure practically all her audience are Muslim men and women, so her claim about Muslim men is quite odd. There are also those (both men and women) who disapprove all form of public dancing by women but that is not because somehow they see it as a challenge to them. Pakistani women are successful in many careers and hardly anyone object to them. No one thinks of dance as a confidence building exercise.
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Arjun Jan 13, 2016 04:39am
You should perform. In South India I'm sure it will be a sold out show all the best
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Thinker Jan 13, 2016 05:24am
@Taimoor Khan : Alien to ur culture because.. u are not aware of you culture truly.. it was wiped out long time back.. the culture that u r following right now is not urs.. it was forced on u by someone else.. u had very bright and much better culture...which u should have been proud of.... u just see the history.. u will realise.. how things changed at ur place.. and why..
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Zahra Jan 13, 2016 05:59am
@Dawn Admirer I think it is significant. A society bent on cutting the umbilical cord to its premodern (and pre-Islamic) heritage is only the poorer for doing so.
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Zahra Jan 13, 2016 06:01am
@Abdulla Hussain Life is movement, and dance is a celebration of movement, a celebration of life. A baby learns to dance naturally before s/he becomes self-conscious or is told not to dance especially in our culture.
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Zahra Jan 13, 2016 06:05am
@Taimoor Khan yes, because you are alienated from your land's cultural and artistic heritage. Do not be in a hurry to shun everything that looks unfamiliar or strange. Dig deeper in the history of your land and you will be surprised, and enriched.
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Zahra Jan 13, 2016 06:06am
@Veejey Shah The Indus Valley civilization predates Pakistan or India by far, so why would she refer to either country?
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Zahra Jan 13, 2016 06:09am
@Abdulla Hussain In fact, these dances predate Muslim/Hindu and India/Pakistan. They only look alien to you now because of politics and a blindness to history that is pervasive in our country because we are never taught our larger history in schools, and if we are, we are taught from the Mughal invasion onwards, as if everything that happened before that was irrelevant and unnecessary in explaining how we came to be.
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Zahra Jan 13, 2016 06:10am
@Swarup Well said!
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Zahra Jan 13, 2016 06:12am
@JATT Wrong. It is currently practiced in South India but it originates in the Indus Valley civilization, 5000 years ago before the madness of the nation-state's self effacing history-writing projects began and brainwashed us all into believing a warped version, much removed from the truth.
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Zahra Jan 13, 2016 06:17am
@KnowTheTruth For India to claim all of the Indus Valley civilization as it's own including these dances is a shame, when the civilization predates any modern divisions in the region. To say it is originates from the Indus Valley civilization is accurate and avoids present day nation-state boundaries. There is nothing wrong with it. Yes, bharata natyam, kuchipudi, orissi and even kathak are now primarily have hubs in various Indian regions they these crafts are practiced and perfected, but they were formed in what is our previously shared land and that must be acknowledged in tracing the origins and developments of all these dance forms. For one modern country to claim the art is silly.
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Sailani Jan 13, 2016 06:24am
@ukumar I hope that people from both Indian and Pakistan can move about in both countries freely. Ms Kermani thank you for keeping this art alive, this is our heritage from the pre-partition era. We should never loose sight of it and make sure that it flourishes. My hats off to Ms. Kermani for her devotion to this art.
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DP Jan 13, 2016 06:25am
Art such as singing and dancing goes way back human existence in this planet of quaternary and tertiary in geological period, even animals sing and dance, look at the Peacock, parrot and whales etc., babies fall asleep when mom sings a song and they dance….. so art or music has no religion or language, but art has its own language! The contemporary world should look for innovation and creativity, developing weapons of mass destruction is fine and it does not fall in any form of religious trap, but unfortunately performing an art or entertainment is view as an anti-religious or vulgar act. I am an Indian origin person and living in western country for many decades and I perform both Indian classical with fusion and western fusion, and every week I go for social dancing. I wish you the very best for progressive Pakistan!
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Zahra Jan 13, 2016 06:25am
@kam Thank you for adding your sane voice here!
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Jay Jan 13, 2016 06:45am
Those men neither know their culture nor history. It is a beautiful art and celebrates life itself. It has no religion, caste or creed.
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brr Jan 13, 2016 07:07am
It is amazing to read pakistani responders state such dancing is a) not pakistani culture b) against Islamic culture. Denying one's own cultural background and historical legacies is the nature of ignorant people or arrogant people, who have no understanding of their past and are likely to commit hurtful things in the future,
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R S Chakravarti Jan 13, 2016 07:21am
@Rani Sharma I have read that Iqbal was proud of his Kashmiri Pandit ancestry. I don't think Jinnah ever denied his Hindu background, which was not very far back. Of course, both were not Pakistani in the sense of having grown up in Pakistan!
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R S Chakravarti Jan 13, 2016 07:39am
@Maxx Yes, both India and Pakistan need to fight against intolerance.
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Gumnaam Jan 13, 2016 07:40am
Madam, I salute you most reverently for your demystifying myths and misunderstandings about dancing. Pakistan has been fundamentally a dancing nation from the days of Guru Nanak, Sufi Bulleh Shah and numerous quilanders and peers, darvishes etc. General Zia's blunders can be corrected overnight through political and social resovles. Pakistan can bounce back to its lost paradiscal diversity and social tolerance. De-araba+isation needs to be implemented at all levels. Only A firm "No" to Western and Arab masters will enable Pakistan to rediscover its lost self.
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R S Chakravarti Jan 13, 2016 08:00am
@Abdulla Hussain I appreciate your explanation of the origin of Bharata Natyam. But our civilisation originated in the Indus Valley. That is the link with Pakistan. How can you say there is no link?
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R S Chakravarti Jan 13, 2016 08:06am
@kam Agree and supplement with the remark that these classical dances are religious; they are prayers to the only God that exists. That should end controversy.
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R S Chakravarti Jan 13, 2016 08:08am
To Indian readers: please don't make negative comments about Pakistan here. It has been sufficiently dissected by Pakistanis (including Sheema Kermani)! Hope things will improve in the coming days.
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deven Jan 13, 2016 08:11am
well done
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Human Jan 13, 2016 08:19am
@Another Indian sri1 and we know how well u took care of MF Hussain and how well women are treated in your society and how well you take care of minorities too , and to refresh your memory a few days back an innocent Muslim son and father were killed for eating mutton. Their are problems in every society but before giving free advice think and compare yourself too
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Najma Hisham Jan 13, 2016 08:25am
very heart warming.
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anonymous Jan 13, 2016 08:25am
"Classical dance was banned in Pakistan by President General Zia ul Haq in 1983" - unbelievable! This kind of things are more damaging to a country then any good that it does. I have no idea what good it does, if any at all.
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Tommy Gunn Jan 13, 2016 08:34am
@shuaib : good for you but you are a rare commodity.
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LOCKHORN Jan 13, 2016 08:37am
The fact that the performances were running to packed houses show that there are people in Pakistan that are open to dance as an art form. Allowing people to watch these art forms should be a choice people need to make, not the government or the mullahs.
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Sanjeeb Bose Jan 13, 2016 09:05am
@Sheema Kermani I would suggest you to come to India and perform with your team and once you interact with the other Indian classical dancers you will learn more.
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Sampath Jan 13, 2016 09:12am
I have great admiration for Sheema Krmani. What a bold person!! Wish her all the best. Hope she will be able to start an organisation for woman artists in Pakistan.
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omer morad Jan 13, 2016 09:21am
@Taimoor Khan You mention Pakistani folk dances. These are a part of our heritage (Bye the way, luddi is also Indian). But there is nothing wrong in studying western classical (ballet), or social (waltz, tango or belly dancing) or even various Indian classical dances. India is our next door neighbour,once the Kashmir problem is settled we will have to get along with them. Culturally (language, food dresses), they are very close to us (Much closer than Chinese, Arab or even Irani)
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sudhir Jan 13, 2016 09:56am
Sad it's so tough for women in Pakistan to pursue something as simple as dancing.
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VA Jan 13, 2016 10:01am
@Abdulla Hussain Yes. but you can present all the good teachings of Islam also using these type of dance as these depict some story. Society have to give proper path for mental expressions and human psychology etc absence of it is the reason of gun culture.
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A Woman Jan 13, 2016 10:26am
@Hass The stench of patriarchy and insecurity!
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Dawn Reader Jan 13, 2016 11:04am
@Afzal Shouldn't you take pride in your ancestors because of whom you are here ? it is not a question of being superior or inferior
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shekhu Jan 13, 2016 11:20am
these classical dances brings a wonderful health in physical mental and spiritual well being, they are highly scientific... even for audience it becomes highly satisfying. Bollywood have merged all these dances very beautifully, so that it suits our regular life and modern dances. But some ( few actions ) western dances, they are now coming in bollywood as well... where u jump on ur knee , twist ur spinal , cervical chord in a very dangerous way.... must be stopped urgently.
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Amol Jan 13, 2016 11:40am
@Sheema Kermani I feel an artist like you should have been in India where classical dance is till considered as divine. Its disgusting to see the comments of few Pakistani men who consider artists like you as second grade citizens. A country which cannot appreciate culture should be considered on its way to peril.
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prasanna Jan 13, 2016 11:46am
Compare this situation status of artist Vs that of Ghazal Singers in India. Any form of Art is what separates Human beings from other animals. Otherwise there won't be any difference between animals and human being . And yes no need to give labels if you are uncomfortable with name change it according to your taste but enjoy the art and performance.
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Harisingh Jan 13, 2016 11:47am
@Sheema Kermani, The world is a better place because of people like you! May your thoughts and teachings spread far and wide.
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Amol Jan 13, 2016 11:48am
@Maxx I guess if the likes of Kalburgis etc would have had the same audacity to say things about God in Pakistan. The shear fact that they had the freedom to say what they like itself should speak aloud about the tolerant Indian society. Regarding riots, seems you are turning a blind eye to the events in Malda and Purnia where the so called "peace loving" community is running riot.
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Harisingh Jan 13, 2016 11:55am
@Taimoor Khan, You can create your own reality but you cannot create your own facts. The facts are that the Vedas were written on the banks of Indus and worship of Lord Shiva can be traced all the way back to the ruins of Indus Valley Civilization. The Hindu Shahi rulers ruled Afghanistan and Buddhism, Sikhism, and Hinduism thrived there till 1000 years ago.
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rraghav Jan 13, 2016 11:57am
i appriciate this..since all the time bombings, killings and daily struggles..some where atleast we can see news related to love..and peace..thank god.. btw happy lohri..
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Riz Jan 13, 2016 12:01pm
@Rani Sharma My dear Sharma if we Pakistani Muslims are decended from Hindus then why are Hindus socially Marginalizing Muslims in India that they should go back to Iran and Arabia whenever they ask for justice.
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Riz Jan 13, 2016 12:41pm
@Sheema Kermani I remembered as a child when East Pakistan was alive Ptv Dhaka station use to televise Dance Drama which had that Indian touch in it like tilaak and sindoor and the way the sari was worn, it was the least popular show in West Pakistan I am talking about days when people use to watch anything that was on the screen but dance drama died the very same day East Pakistan died. What I am trying to say is that Indian classical dance never found its way into West Pakistan even with the people who migrated from India I am from Lucknow. May be some vegetated, tree hugging ultra liberals might see things differently but they represent only .0000001 percent of Pakistan.
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Hem Pant Jan 13, 2016 12:51pm
Sheema Kermani Please come to India and please exhibit your dancing in all the major cities of India. You will be loved and respected by Indian People
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Pune-India Jan 13, 2016 01:08pm
After some years...some Pakistani will claim this classical dance is the part of Pakistani culture..
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Adnan Mazher Khan Jan 13, 2016 01:33pm
Believe me, it's a "real" challenge for men to watch her dance at this age and time period. World has moved on and she must realize the fact.
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KnowTheTruth Jan 13, 2016 01:52pm
@Sheema Kermani You are doing a great job by keeping these dance forms alive in a society that (by and large) does not value its cultural roots. We would love to see you perform in India. Your contribution to the field of art/culture would deserve some of the highest cultural awards/recognition in India, such as the Padmashree or Padmabhushan. The existence of these dance forms in Pakistan does a great job in reminding the people of both nations that they are connected by a common history and culture that dates several hundred years prior to the partition (which is not even 70 years old!) . It only means that people from the two nations can connect better with each other than they can with any other people in Asia, Europe or America. Wish you good luck, good health and vigour to take your cause forward.
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Abdulla Hussain Jan 13, 2016 02:00pm
@Zahra : Only in some particular part of the world & some particular culture, Never in Pakistan
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Abdulla Hussain Jan 13, 2016 02:11pm
@Zahra: Even some of Mughal's attribute to our society is irrelevant to our culture., for Example inter caste marriage concept of Akbar etc. My idea is not to find fault in other culture, it is only what is considered legal & good in our culture is that I am talking about. Being a Pakistani Sheema Kirmani knows it well that her dances will not get a majority yes nod in Pakistani culture.
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NV Jan 13, 2016 02:14pm
Thanks Sheema and Thanks Dawn. Also this realization of the common heritage of Indus Valley Civilization is picking fast. This is good to hear.
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Kannan Jan 13, 2016 02:17pm
Excellent ! Kudos to Sheemaji. I never know that Indian classical dance is still practiced in Pakistan. I know Zia-ul-Haq banned all dance and anything related to India as he wanted Pakistan a 100% Islamic State like Iran. However, I also feel proud that dancers like you are trying to keep up the tempo in a society like Pakistan where dance in public is still a taboo. Please keep it up Bravy Lady...
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Taimoor Khan Jan 13, 2016 04:06pm
@Zahra Please read my other comments and educate yourself. When did I say I am alienated from my own culture? And since when the dancing girl of Mohenjodaro became absolute fact that she is performing kathak dance? have you actually seen the artifact? Its a pose of a women and in no way it looks or feel that she is performing kathak dance, let alone any dance what so ever. All I am saying that someone wants to enjoy a certain genre of dance, by all means but please dont impose someone else culture on my people which has got nothing to do with us. Why not focus on our own triditional dances, like khattak, bhangra, luddi , dhamal so on and so forth? After all , they are very popular among Pakistani masses and young lot. You can see that in our weddings. We as Pakistanis need to project to our own culture to foreign entities not other way round.
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Arunava Ganguli Jan 13, 2016 04:15pm
I respect Muslim culture too. But there is a limitation in Women liberation. Women can not be religiously bound as far as performing arts are concerned like Dancing , Acting etc. Women should liberated irrespective of religion.
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Ashish Jan 13, 2016 04:55pm
@kam why you bring religion to it. Religion has nothing to do with it. It is an art which one took years to develop. Particularly Indian classical dances are very descent and well respected across the glove.
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Sonia Jan 13, 2016 04:57pm
@Rani Sharma Sorry... u really need to study a bit more... Muslims can't descend from Hindus and Hindus can't descend from Muslims.... its quite impossible!
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salman Jan 13, 2016 04:57pm
I completely agree with Ms. Kermani ! Art, food, love, health, wealth, decease, etc. have no boundaries including religious boundaries.
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GKA Jan 13, 2016 05:40pm
Dance - especially Indian dance like Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, and Kathakali (and even kathak) are not islamic. All these dances have very common themes around hindu gods and goddesses as themes for dances. So for a community of people who are so offended by imitation of thier religions founder, imitating another religion does not make sense. Also to those who follow puritanical strains of Islam, am sure this is prohibited.
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Venkateswaran Jan 13, 2016 07:57pm
@Rani Sharma Let Humanity prevail.... Religion was meant to bring values in life those days... But today, Religion is being used to divide people... be it Pakistan or India or elsewhere... Let we all, be human souls and children of Almighty.
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Rao Jan 14, 2016 01:10am
@JATT Sorry sir: These dances are all authentic or new variants of Bharata Natyam from Sothern India. But then, Odissi dances also have many things in common with Bjarata Natyam style.
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Third Pary Jan 14, 2016 02:03am
@Sheema Kermani Lots of love to You....Do not have any words in my dictionary to honour you.i..You are a true torch-bearer (like statue of liberty) in the darkness....
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Third Pary Jan 14, 2016 02:07am
@Zahra I am very happy that You just slapped all the hawks from both side here...You are a true torch -bearer for peace. Lots of love..
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Naseer Jan 14, 2016 02:16am
@Umer Oh really? How do you explain dances in Moghul Kings' courts ?
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Arvind Ajimal Jan 14, 2016 02:51am
@Jatt @Taimoor Is there any Dance form ( historical ) in Pakistan that a woman can dance , or any dance form specifically for women only. Are there any women dancers today Performing it. Or earlier before dances were banned. What Pakistan did to Promote such dance form if there was any. After all Pakisan stands where the big civilizations were earlier.
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Indian Jan 14, 2016 03:09am
Wonderful dancer and very matured intelligent woman. Best wishes to her
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romm Jan 14, 2016 03:39am
To me she is like Godess. She is the Pride of Pakistan. wish I could see her performaning in Lahore. Long Live Ms Kermani Long Live Pakistan
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sd Jan 14, 2016 10:15am
@Umer That is the mis-conception. They are not dancing for men. They are dancing and the audience is watching because theyboth love the art form. If you do not like the art form- which is o.k or do not appreciate it- don't watch. Your choice, just as dancing and watching a dance are other people's choice :)
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Bing-Bud-A-Bang Jan 14, 2016 12:41pm
Ms. Kermani, do you perform in India? You would be heartily welcomed!
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Bing-Bud-A-Bang Jan 14, 2016 12:43pm
@Afzal - a plant without roots can not survive for long!
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Bing-Bud-A-Bang Jan 14, 2016 12:51pm
@Multinational Bhabi - Love your comment to Taimoor Khan!
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Bing-Bud-A-Bang Jan 14, 2016 01:15pm
@Taimoor Khan - " Khattak, bhangra, luddi , dhamal" are all Indian dance forms, they predate Islam in India. Also, I see a lot (if not mostly) Bollywood dances being performed at Paksitani weddings.
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M Sreenath Jan 14, 2016 01:38pm
What a personality? great to know about Madam Sheema Khermani, hats off to dawn for covering such great person.
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bit saf Jan 14, 2016 02:50pm
@Sheema Kermani Is there any possibility that you might perform in India in the near future? I am sure many people would look forward to it.
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Aduul Bari Jan 14, 2016 02:52pm
HATS OFF TO YOU KKKARMANI ji stay blessed
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Taimoor Khan Jan 14, 2016 09:50pm
@Multinational Bhabi Ah genius!! You are not getting it do you? Read my comments again. If I wear jeans, or communicate with you in English, how it can be interpreted as if I am owing or declaring to be part of my culture? It was suggested that kathak dance is somehow a Pakistani culture, and some weird connections were made to Indus civilization which I debunked. Please come up with something substantial as an argument!
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Prithwi Jan 15, 2016 03:32am
Excellent to see such spreading of culture and tradition. Time has come to bridge the divide and embrace the culture and heritage from both India and Pakistan. Because of this divide people know very little about their brother nations and mostly hatred is spread for no reasons. As an Indian, my respect for Pakistan television industry grew manifolds by watching the sheer acting caliber. If we remove such foolish barrier, tourism alone can become few billion dollars industry as there are lot to see! In US, Indians and Pakistanis go together to watch Ghulam Ali and Sonu Nigam. It is only due to few ill minded people's benefit both the countries undergoing this patch. Common man wants unity and brotherhood. Why can't we live peacefully after 60 years still?
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Sailani Jan 15, 2016 05:21am
@Taimoor Khan You are talking about two different things, classical dance and folk dance.
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A Fairdeal Muslim Jan 15, 2016 11:54am
@Abdulla Hussain >>>>>>> Only gun-culture is suitable to us? Giving hate speeches against other religion is our culture? Abdulla sham on you.
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Aslam Shaikh Jan 16, 2016 12:45am
Interesting profession for fulfilling purpose of life
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Unam am I Jan 16, 2016 09:48am
We know that the harmonium is widely played in Pakistan. Yet it is originally a German instrument. Those of you commenting from Pakistan who say 'this dance is not our culture', why do you accept the harmonium in Pakistani culture? Ms Magsi, perhaps you would like to research and publish the adoption and integration of the harmonium in the music of Pakistan and publish it here in Dawn.
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SHARMAJI Jan 16, 2016 01:58pm
@Sheema ji , respect from India may some day you visit again India and we could be privileged one to see your performance @Taimoor Khan , what myopic vision and selective amnesia you have . Would you please keep out your religious views out of art , culture and literature. And by the way in India we proud of Indus civilisation which was the primary source all the culture in the sub continent.
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SHARMAJI Jan 16, 2016 02:01pm
@Zahra , keep your sane and impartial voice up ................
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ramdar Jan 17, 2016 09:45pm
@Taimoor Khan Agreed, these dance forms are from various Indian states but that is no reason for a Pakistani not to practice them. I am happy to see many Pakistani comments appreciating Sheema. Remember, even Urdu is not a native Pakistani language. Indians do consider Indus Valley civilization as their heritage. It covered some parts of North India & Pakistan. It had roots of the ancient Indian culture which has been better preserved in India than in Pakistan. Ganges civilization evolved later.
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Mustafa Jan 19, 2016 02:55am
@Abdulla Hussain; 'Dance is perhaps the most beautiful possession that we humans have.' To each his own, I personally feel that Persian and even Urdu poetry have no parallel in the world of arts.
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