NSIM

Stories you may like

• The growing trend of Abacus education in this era,gives an opportunity to train children abacus based mental arithmetic as well as grows their cognitive skills,

• Inviting SkillTraining centres all over India to affiliate with BSS and Become B'Voc centres of Singhania University

• Inviting Panchayat Wise Skill Gap Testing and Training Centres all over India for Nsim's Life Long Learning Program

• Be a seller in E-commerce Platforms...

• How to do online marketing through e-commerce websites?

Margi Sathi – The Trailblazing Female Kathakali Artist

Introduction

Margi Sathi (1958–2015) was a pioneering female Kathakali artist from Kerala, breaking gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated art form. She was known for her mastery in portraying Minukku (female) roles and her deep knowledge of Nangiarkoothu, a classical Sanskrit dance-drama.

Early Life & Training

• Born in Kerala in 1958, Margi Sathi developed a passion for classical performing arts from a young age.
• She trained at Margi, Thiruvananthapuram, an institute dedicated to preserving Kerala’s classical art forms.
• She learned Kathakali under Guru Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair and Kalamandalam Gopi, some of the greatest masters.
• Additionally, she mastered Nangiarkoothu, a storytelling art form, under Guru Painkulam Rama Chakyar.

Achievements & Contributions

 First prominent female Kathakali performer

• Traditionally, female roles in Kathakali were performed by men, but Margi Sathi was one of the first women to break this norm.
• She excelled in performing Minukku vesham (soft and graceful female roles like Damayanti, Sita, and Kunthi).

 Revival of Nangiarkoothu

• She was instrumental in reviving and popularizing Nangiarkoothu, an ancient Sanskrit storytelling dance.
• She performed across India and abroad, showcasing this rare art form to global audiences.

 Scholar and Teacher

• Margi Sathi was not just a performer but also a researcher and teacher.
• She trained many students and worked to promote female participation in Kathakali and related art forms.

 Global Recognition

• She performed at prestigious venues worldwide, introducing Kathakali and Nangiarkoothu to an international audience.

Awards & Honors

 Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award – For her contributions to Kathakali and Nangiarkoothu.
 Recognition from Margi, Kerala Kalamandalam, and other cultural organizations.

Legacy

Margi Sathi’s contributions paved the way for women in Kathakali, proving that talent and dedication can break long-standing traditions. She remains a symbol of perseverance and artistic excellence in Indian classical performing arts.