Sheema Kermani

Sheema Kermani (Urdu: ; born 16 January 1951) is a Pakistani classical dancer, actress and social activist. She is the founder of Tehrik-e-Niswan Cultural Action Group (Women's Movement). She is also an exponent of Bharatanatyam dance. Kermani is known as a renowned classical dancer, choreographer, dance guru, theatre practitioner, performer, director, producer, and TV actor based in Karachi, Pakistan. She advocates on culture, women's rights, and peace issues.

Her pioneering contribution to the promotion of culture and theatrical performances in Pakistan since 1978 have led to international acclaim.

Early life and education Kermani was born on 16 January 1951 in Rawalpindi, Punjab, in a Muhajir family. Her parents migrated from India during the Partition of India. Her father served in the Pakistan Army, retiring as a brigadier and then being appointed as chairman of the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation. Her paternal family originates from the city of Lucknow and traces its ancestry to the city of Kerman in Iran, while her maternal side is from Hyderabad.

She received her early education from Presentation Convent Rawalpindi. After doing O-Level from Convent of Jesus and Mary, Karachi, she completed her A- Level from Karachi Grammar School and then proceeded to Croydon College of Art, London to study fine arts. She holds a degree of Bachelor of Arts from the University of the Punjab, Lahore, and a Masters and M. Phil Degree in History from University of Karachi, where she is presently enrolled for PhD.

Kermani started learning Bharatanatyam in the mid-1960s. Her first solo performance was in Pakistan in 1984. In 1988, she proceeded to India on an ICCR (Indian Council of Cultural Relations) scholarship and studied Bharatanatyam under Leela Samson, Kathak under Ram Mohan and Odissi under Guru Mayadhar Raut and Aloka Pannikar. She also conducts theater workshops under the guidance of theater director Prasanna Ramaswamy in Karachi and heads a cultural organization, Tehrik-e-Niswan in Karachi.

2017 appearances On 19 February 2017, Kermani appeared at the Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan after the barbaric suicide attack there and performed a dhamal (a Sufi dance form). She gave a passionate performance and told the media that nobody can stop music and dance.

She performed at the Faiz Aman Mela, Lahore to pay tribute to Asma Jahangir. She said we can bring peace, harmony and equality by loving each other and by sharing the message of love with each other.

2022 appearance In February 2022, she appeared in the music video for the song "Pasoori" as part of Season 14 of Coke Studio. This special performance was covered by the leading Indian print media, including ThePrint and The Indian Express.

Personal life Sheema is married to a theater actor Khalid Ahmed.

Social activism Kermani identifies as a feminist and Marxist.

Filmography Television series YearTitleRoleNetwork1986 Dastak Shazia PTV1989 Aab O Saraab Bahni PTV1990 Mai Jioungi Sar Utha Ke Dadi PTV1991 Guzar Jayegi Raat Aliya Begum PTV1992 Manzilein Aur Bhi Fehmida PTV1994 Saibaan Ayesha PTV1995 Chand Grehan Ameer-ul-Nisa STN1996 Tum Meray Pass Raho Shahnaz STN1997 Marvi Safia Begum PTV1998 Raqs-e-Janaan Lady PTV1999 Dhundalka Party lady PTV2007 Khamoshi Jurm Hae Guru PTV2008 Baitiyaan Ubaida PTV2009 Saiqa Old Najji Hum TV

Telefilm

Film

Tributes and recognition In year 2005, Kermani was selected by PeaceWomen Across the Globe as one of the most influential women of Pakistan, and was nominated for Nobel Peace Prize on her services and contributions for Bharatanatyam dance, as well as, for her pioneering contribution to the promotion of culture and theatrical performances in Pakistan. In 2012, Kermani received Women of Inspiration Award from Wonder Women Association on her struggle and devotion for well-being of Pakistani women and her passion for gender equality.

In 2013, Kermani received ACHA Peace Star Award from Oregon-based Association for Communal Harmony in Asia (ACHA) on her life-long contributions for peace, communal harmony and women's rights activism, particularly in South Asia. The ceremony was held at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, organized in cooperation with the Pakistan Peace Coalition and the Pakistan Institute of Labor Education and Research. In 2019, Taimur Rahim (a documentary film maker from Pakistan) made a short film (named: With Bells On Her Feet on the life) based on the life of Kermani. The documentary focused on the classical dancer's life and fight for social justice during Zia-ul-Haq's regime and it was released in South Asian Film Festival of Montreal (SAFFM). The film bagged two accolades – Best Short Film and the Audience Choice Award. In 2023 at 14 August she was honoured by the Government of Pakistan with the Pride of Performance for her contributions towards the social activist, theatre and television industry. In 2024 in February 26, she was honoured with Kashmir HUM Women Leaders Award by President Arif Alvi, recognizing decades of her tireless advocacy for art and her advocacy for women's rights. In 2024 at July 10, she was honoured with National Icon Award at 9th Icon of the Nation Award for her contributions towards the social activist and cinema industry.