Mangaluru: A 20-year-old Muslim girl from Okkethur Mada village in Dakshina Kannada has taken the Yakshagana scene in the state by storm.
Majorly male-dominated, Yakshagana is a traditional folk dance popular in the coastal Karnataka districts and was said to be forbidden for women at one point of time.
However, Arshiya, a new entrant and the only Muslim woman in the art form is breaking stereotypes and acing in the roles of Mahishasura and Nishumbhasura in various Yakshagana Prasangas.
Although the art form is evolving, even in today's time there are only a handful of women Yakshagana artists.
Among them, Arshiya is perfecting her skills at Mangaluru's Kadali Kala Kendra.
Working in an automobile company, Yakshagana fascinated a young Arshiya since she first saw a Prasanga at her village in Vittal aged 10.
Later, Jayaram a Yakshagana teacher kindled her interest in the form.
“The role of Mahishasura in a Devi Mahatme episode that I watched when I was young mesmerised me. I got addicted to bannada vesha (villain roles). I also love the fact that there is no religion here, it is just Indian culture,” she added.
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“Earlier, I used to imitate and learn Yakshagana by watching on TV and social media performances. I never miss watching Yakshagana shows,” she said.
Known as 'Tanu Vitla' - her stage name - Arshiya said she finds the pravesha (entry) of her character in the scene the most enthralling part of Yakshagana.
She has performed as Nishambhasura, Raktha Beejasura and Mahishasura in ‘Devi Mahatme’ and recalling her characters she said, "I still love it and enjoy performing.”
Even though Arshiya is celebrated now, she revealed that the entry into the field of Yakshagana was not a cakewalk for her.
Members of her community were against her decision to perform Yakshagana, but her family members were staunchly supportive.
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Overcoming all odds, the performer has enacted at several places including Udupi and Karwar besides Mangaluru and has created a unique niche for herself in the male-dominated art form.
Artists like Arshiya are proof that India’s heritage and culture recognise no religious barriers as once was said by Senior Yakshagana artist SN Bhat Bayar.
