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Sheema Kermani Viral Video: Recently, when Pakistani police was detaining some women on the streets of Karachi, a face instantly went viral on social media. That white-haired woman was none other than Pakistan’s famous classical dancer and activist Sheema Kirmani. People of both India and Pakistan recognized him immediately. For some, she was the same graceful artist who sang ‘Pasoori’, while for others, she was a fearless voice fighting for their rights for decades.

What happened in Karachi?

According to Pakistani newspaper ‘Dawn’, some activists had gathered outside the Karachi Press Club in preparation for the ‘Aurat March’. They wanted to hold a press conference demanding NOC for their upcoming rally. Meanwhile, the police took seven activists including Sheema Kirmani into custody. However, he was later released after the intervention of Sindh Home Minister, but the video of his arrest once again created a stir in South Asia.

‘Pasuri’ made global icon

When Coke Studio’s song ‘Pasoori’ was released, it crossed all borders. The woman who caught everyone’s attention with her style and dance in the beginning of the song was Sheema Kirmani. This one song made Sheema, who kept Bharatnatyam alive in a conservative society like Pakistan, a favorite of the new generation.

Who is Sheema Kirmani?

Sheema was born on 16 January 1951 in Rawalpindi. Her father was in the Pakistani Army, but Sheema was always inclined towards art. His roots are also connected to India. His paternal family was from Lucknow and maternal family was from Hyderabad (Deccan). During his visits to India during his school days, he developed an interest in classical dance, which he decided to pursue till his death despite opposition. She founded ‘Tehreek-e-Niswan’ (Women’s Movement Cultural Group) in the late 70s. Through this, she made theater and art a weapon for women’s awareness. Even during the era of General Zia-ul-Haq, when there were strict restrictions on art and women’s freedom in Pakistan, Sheema did not stop dancing and teaching.

Combination of art and revolution

Sheema Kirmani considers herself a feminist and Marxist. For them, dance is not just entertainment but a form of protest. Today, when the world knows her as an artist because of ‘Pasoori’, these viral videos from Karachi reminded that she is also a warrior who is not afraid to take to the streets for her rights even at the age of 74.

The post Who is Sheema Kermani: Got recognition from the song ‘Pasoori’, now why is this Bharatnatyam dancer in the news after her arrest in Karachi? appeared first on Latest.