New Delhi

Every woman has an innate sense of creation and nurturing and this makes her an artist. Be it making a hair style for her little daughter to setting up her house, a woman’s creative imagination is always at work. However, those who focus on what the world calls creative arts – painting, music or performing arts, are also in good number. Focusing on such women, Awaz-the Voice brings you stories of ten Muslim woman achievers in the field of art.

Here is a brief about them:

Farkhanda Khan Fida

There are encounters that quietly alter the course of a lifetime, and for Farkhanda Khan Fida, one such moment came in 1997 when she met M.F. Husain at an art exhibition in Delhi. His simple advice—to paint only what emerges from the heart—became the guiding philosophy of her life and work. From a childhood shaped by her father’s devotional paintings in the Indian Air Force household to academic excellence crowned with a Gold Medal and a doctorate in Fine Arts, Farkhanda’s journey reflects both discipline and discovery.

Her immersion into Sufism at Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah transformed her artistic language into one of spiritual reflection, peace, and devotion. Today, her paintings transcend borders, blending emotion and faith while carrying forward Husain’s timeless message of inner truth.

Fauzia Dastango

In the winding lanes of Old Delhi where stories once echoed across courtyards, Fauzia Dastango has revived a fading oral tradition with powerful new life. Born in Pahari Bhojala, the historic heart of dastangoi culture, she grew up surrounded by books, Urdu storytelling, and the rhythms of everyday narratives.

What began as a love for retelling stories soon became a calling after witnessing a live dastangoi performance in 2006 that changed her destiny.

Leaving behind a stable academic career, Fauzia embraced a challenging art form historically dominated by men, redefining it through emotion, expression, and inclusivity. Today, she performs across India and abroad, weaving modern themes into ancient storytelling and reminding audiences that listening is still one of the most powerful human connections.

Jamila Nishat

From the lanes of Hyderabad emerges Jamila Nishat, a poet whose words carry both resistance and resilience, and an activist whose work has transformed countless lives. As the founder of Shaheen Women’s Resource and Welfare Association, she has dedicated decades to empowering marginalized women through education, legal aid, and vocational training.

Her poetry, rooted in Dakhni Urdu, reflects the lived experiences of women navigating injustice, identity, and change. Whether through her literary works or grassroots activism, Jamila continues to challenge social barriers while strengthening women’s independence. Her journey is a rare blend of art and action, where every poem and every initiative becomes a step toward dignity and equality.

Nawab Jehan Begum

With royal lineage and a bold creative vision, Nawab Jehan Begum has redefined contemporary Indian art by merging tradition with luxury through the use of 24-carat gold in her paintings. Born into the royal family of Bhopal, she transformed her early artistic passion into a global artistic identity that now spans continents.

Her distinctive palette-knife technique and fusion of Gond art with gold detailing have earned her international recognition and multiple awards. Beyond aesthetics, her work carries cultural narratives—from tricolour-themed national celebrations to abstract expressions of knowledge and wealth. Through her evolving canvas, she continues to position India’s artistic heritage on a global stage with elegance and innovation.

Baraan Ijlal

In a world of structured expression, Baraan Ijlal stands as an artist of instinct, emotion, and quiet rebellion. Born in a town devoid of colour and imagination, he discovered art not as a profession but as survival itself. From sketching on walls as a child to creating deeply unsettling installations in adulthood, his journey reflects a search for truth hidden beneath appearances.

Her works, often made from unconventional materials like ash, rust, and broken objects, challenge viewers to confront emotion and memory. Through powerful series such as Echoes of Silence, Baraan transforms silence into dialogue, reminding audiences that art is not decoration but revelation.

Rafa Yasmin

From Malda’s musical heritage emerges Rafa Yasmin, a teenage prodigy whose voice has resonated from local stages to national television platforms. Trained in classical and contemporary music from an early age, Rafa’s journey through shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs established her as one of Bengal’s brightest young talents.

Beyond music, she has embraced a new role as Cyber Safety Ambassador, using her influence to promote awareness in an increasingly digital world. Her story reflects a rare blend of artistic brilliance and social responsibility, making her not just a performer but also a voice of awareness for her generation.

Rani Khanam

Breaking barriers of tradition and expectation, Rani Khanam has emerged as one of India’s most powerful Kathak voices, transforming classical dance into a medium of social and spiritual expression. Born in Bihar and trained under legendary gurus including Pandit Birju Maharaj, she built her own path despite societal restrictions.

As the founder of Aamad Performing Arts Centre, she has used dance to address themes of gender equality, inclusion, and spirituality, reaching audiences across the globe. Her choreography is influenced by Sufism, and blends devotion with discipline. All this makes her work both meditative and socially relevant.

Rutba Shaukat

From Srinagar comes Rutba Shaukat, a young achiever whose journey reflects discipline across both sports and art. A national-level martial artist with dozens of medals, she discovered a creative path during the pandemic that eventually led her to a Guinness World Record in origami.

After years of practice and two unsuccessful attempts, she set a record by folding 250 paper boats in one hour, turning precision into global recognition. Her story is one of persistence, where setbacks became stepping stones and creativity became a symbol of resilience.

Safiya Banoo

In a quiet but powerful act of breaking barriers, Safiya Banoo became Kolkata’s first Muslim woman marriage registrar, proving that merit can redefine long-standing social perceptions. A graduate in Bengali literature and a homemaker, she entered a male-dominated administrative role through determination and capability rather than privilege.

Her appointment challenged stereotypes while also creating a more empathetic space for women navigating sensitive legal matters. Safiya’s journey stands as a testament to quiet strength, where confidence and competence reshape institutional boundaries from within.

Sajida Khan

Sajida Khan of Hyderabad has carved a pioneering space in India’s technical and creative industries as the country’s first prominent audio engineer. With an extensive career spanning over 60 films across multiple languages, she has worked on sound design, mixing, dubbing, and post-production with remarkable expertise.

Despite entering a field traditionally dominated by men, she earned recognition through sheer dedication and technical excellence, receiving numerous national and international awards. Beyond cinema, her contributions to education and public service highlight her commitment to empowering others, especially women, in technical professions.

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Her journey resonates as a blend of innovation, perseverance, and service to society.