‘Religious people who cannot be saved should not be punished’; Nilambur Aishayar?
‘We should not be punished by any religious person who cannot save us’ These are the words that Nilambur Ayesha, the first actress of the Kerala Muslim community, spoke with determination at the age of sixteen.
Directed by debutant Aamir Pallikal and starring Manju Warrier in the lead role, the show has started at Ayesha Theatre. Manju Warrier’s heroine Ayesha is the life of Nilambur Ayesha, who was described as Kerala Noorjahan by the 1950s drama troupe. Many people may know who Nilambur Ayesha is. But Nilambur needs to know Ayesha once again when the film is ahead.
Nilambur Ayesha entered the theater scene in the early 1950s when Muslim girls were denied even primary education. Ayesha had to face many objections and attacks. She had to get married at the age of 13 due to the poverty of her family. Although separated from the marriage which did not last long, a baby girl was born.
Basheer Vallikunnu Nilambur’s article ‘Thokine Bhayakatha Kalakari’ written about Ayesha says that Ayesha looked after the baby by chopping rice and selling ariaki. Fearing the community, many opposed it, but only the elder brother supported it. Ayesha will be acting for the first time in Nilambur Yuvajana Kala Samiti’s play ‘Jj Aadha Manna Nakan Nak’. Ayesha was invited to the play by EK Ayamu, the author of the play.
The then 16-year-old Ayesha said to all those who protested because of fear of the community that no religious person who cannot save us should punish us. As a result of her determination, she changed roles later. Even then Ayesha’s life was difficult. It was widely reported that Muslim women started acting in dramas. Opponents raised slogans that Muslim women are going to hell, not to drama. Ayesha also faced social taboo.
Ayesha was injured by stone pelting by some religious fundamentalists during the performance of the play in Nadapuram. But even with blood pouring from her forehead, Ayesha continued to act. They shot Ayesha while she was acting in Mancheri. That day, they escaped by accident. Elsewhere, he barges into the make-up room and slaps Ayesha.
The support of the Communist Party and the progressives helped Ayesha and the Nilambur Yuvajana Kala Samiti to overcome opposition. People were called together and social issues were discussed. Ayesha personally invited the Muslim women. KT Acted in plays of various committees including Muhammadinta Kalinga Theaters and films like Kandamvacha Kot, Kavya Mela, Kuttikuppayam, Olamum Theeram, Paleri Manikyam.
When the economic situation worsened, he left the art scene and spent the nineteenth century as a gaddama in Riyadh. Aamir Pallikal’s Manju Warrier has visualized her life and experiences when she went to Riyadh as Nilambur Ayesha Gaddama. Manjuwariyar’s Ayesha is a beautiful visual revelation in this regard.
2002 State Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award for Best Actress, S.L. for overall contribution. Puram Sadanandan Award,
Ayesha has received many accolades including the Kerala State Film Award for Best Second Actress in 2011.
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