Sheema Kermani (also spelled Kirmani) (Urdu: شیما کرمانی; born 16 January 1951) is a Pakistani classical dancer and social activist.^[1] She is the founder of Tehrik-e-Niswan Cultural Action Group (Women's Movement).^[2] She is also an exponent of Bharatanatyam dance.^[3][4] 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,^[5] and peace issues.

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

Kermani was born on 16 January 1951 in Rawalpindi, Punjab. Her father served in the Pakistan Army, retiring as a brigadier and then being appointed as chairman of the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation.^[6][7] 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 Deccan.^[7]

Kermani has two siblings, an elder brother and a younger sister.^[7] She received her education from Convent schools in different cities across Pakistan where her father was posted.^[7] During her school vacations, Kermani would visit her maternal grandparents who lived in India and it was there that she developed an interest in the performing arts.^[7]

When she was 8 years old, Kermani started to learn piano and Western classical music. From the age of 13, she began to learn classical Indian dance from Mr. and Mrs. Ghanshyam (a couple from Calcutta, who had set up a center for dance and music in Karachi). She later joined their institute as a member of their staff and performing troupe. Kermani was the only dancer in Pakistan throughout the years of General Zia-ul-Haq's martial law, when dance was banned and came to be seen as an activity highly disliked by the state and the clergy.^[8][9]

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,^[10] where she is presently enrolled for PhD.^[11]

Kermani started learning Bharatanatyam in the mid-1960s. Her first solo performance was at Pakistan in 1984.^[12] 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.^[13][14] 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.^[15]

Kermani identifies as a feminist and Marxist.^[7] She realized that women in the Pakistani society were not able to get equality in the society so she started a movement called 'Tehrik-e-Niswan' (Women's Movement) and raised her voice for their rights, health issues, education and equality.^[21]

• In year 2005, Kermani was selected by PeaceWomen Across the Globe as one of the most influential women of Pakistan,^[22] 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.^[23]

• 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.^[24]

• 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.^[25]

• 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.^[26]

• 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.^[27]