Watch: First woman to perform mizhavu arangettam at Kalamandalam | The Hindu originals
Apurva Arthur has become the first woman to perform a mizhavu arangettam at the Kerala Kalamandalam. Her achievement marks a significant milestone in the traditional, male-dominated ritual performance art.
Why it matters
This event represents a shift in gender roles within traditional Indian classical arts and institutional performance traditions.
Theatre practitioner Apurva Arthur makes history as the first woman student of Kerala Kalamandalam’s Mizhavu department to have her arangettam at the institution. From discovering the instrument at Adishakti Theatre Arts to studying it in the classical tradition at Kalamandalam, Apurva’s journey bridges contemporary theatre and the ritual performance traditions of Kerala.
Published - September 26, 2026 11:28 am IST
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