Remember The Graceful Bharatanatyam Dancer From ‘Pasoori’? She Was Detained In Karachi: Here’s Why

Pakistani classical dancer and activist Sheema Kirmani has become the centre of attention online after videos showed her being escorted by policewomen in Karachi. The clips, which spread widely on social media, sparked strong reactions from people discussing women’s rights activism and freedom of expression in Pakistan.

Many users also started searching for who Sheema Kirmani is, especially younger viewers who recognised her from the popular Coke Studio song Pasoori by Ali Sethi and Shae Gill.

She Was Detained During Aurat March Event

According to Dawn, Sheema Kirmani was among seven Aurat March activists briefly detained by Sindh Police near the Karachi Press Club on May 5.

The activists had gathered there for a press conference linked to the upcoming

Aurat March event in Karachi. They were demanding a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the march.

Later, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar reportedly ordered the release of the detained activists. Aurat March organisers confirmed that Sheema Kirmani and transgender rights activist Shahzadi Rai were released soon after.

Videos showing Kirmani being escorted by policewomen quickly spread online, leading to outrage from supporters and activists. Many people felt the visuals were disturbing because of Kirmani’s long-standing role in Pakistan’s cultural and feminist movements.

She Is Known For Bharatanatyam In Pakistan

Sheema Kirmani is one of Pakistan’s best-known classical dancers, theatre artists and women’s rights activists. Born on January 16, 1951, in Rawalpindi, she has spent decades working in the fields of dance, theatre and social activism.

She is especially recognised for promoting Bharatanatyam in Pakistan despite criticism from conservative groups over the years.

Kirmani became familiar to many younger audiences after appearing in the music video of Pasoori. Her Bharatanatyam performance in the song received praise globally and introduced her work to a wider audience outside Pakistan.

Apart from dance, she also reportedly founded Tehrik-e-Niswan, a cultural and women’s rights organisation that has worked on theatre, education and gender-related issues since the late 1970s.

Over the years, Kirmani has openly spoken about women’s rights, gender inequality and artistic freedom in Pakistan.

Her Work Continued During Difficult Times

Her activism became especially important during the rule of General Zia-ul-Haq, when strict cultural restrictions were imposed in Pakistan and dance performances faced opposition, as per reports.

Even during that period, Kirmani continued performing and teaching classical dance.

She comes from a well-known family background. Her father served in the Pakistan Army and later became chairman of the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation.

Her family roots are linked to Lucknow in India and Hyderabad Deccan, while some of her ancestry also traces back to Kerman in Iran.

Kirmani later married Pakistani theatre actor and writer Khalid Ahmed, and both have remained closely connected to Pakistan’s theatre and arts scene.

Social Media Users Reacted Strongly

After the videos surfaced online, many users criticised the detention and expressed support for Kirmani and the Aurat March activists.

Famous Pakistani classical dancer Sheema Kirmani (75) detained by Sindh Police outside Karachi Press Club.

The veteran artist and activist — known for pioneering Bharatanatyam and Odissi in Pakistan — was stopped while seeking a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the upcoming… pic.twitter.com/g4ABjEKyLD

— Dr RK Singh (@DrRupak) May 9, 2026

Several people described her as an important cultural figure who has spent decades defending women’s rights and artistic expression in Pakistan.

Others also discussed how the incident reflected the challenges often faced by activists, performers and progressive voices in the country.