Rehana Fathima is one of the most talked-about women’s rights activists in India. Born in Kerala, she became a household name after her bold attempt to enter the Sabarimala temple in 2018, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that allowed women of all ages to worship there. Her actions sparked heated debates across the country, with some praising her courage and others strongly opposing her move.
Over the years, Rehana has been at the centre of many controversies, but she has also inspired discussions about gender equality, freedom of expression, and the role of women in Indian society. Her life story is not just about activism; it is also about resilience, family, and the challenges of standing up against traditional norms.
Rehana Fathima Age, Biography, Height, Family, Spouse
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rehana Fathima Pyarijaan Sulaiman |
| Other Names | Surya Gayatri |
| Date of Birth | 30 May 1986 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 39 years |
| Birthplace | Kochi, Ernakulam, Kerala, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | B.Com (Commerce), MCA (IGNOU) |
| School | Government Higher Secondary School, Ernakulam |
| Profession | Women’s Rights Activist, Model, Telecom Professional, Actress |
| Debut Film | EKA (2017) |
| Famous For | Attempting entry into Sabarimala temple (2018) |
| Height | 170 cm (5’7”) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Father | Pyarijaan Sulaiman (deceased) |
| Mother | Not widely documented |
| Siblings | One sister |
| Husband | M. Murugan (film director & activist) |
| Children | Two |
| Autobiography | Shareeram Samaram Sannidhyam |
| Controversies | Sabarimala temple entry attempt, body painting video, social media posts |
| @rehanafathimaofficial/ | |
| IMDb | @nm11691446/ |
| Wikipedia | @Rehana_Fathima |
| YouTube | @rehanafathimaas/ |
Early Life and Birthday
According to the sources, Rehana Fathima was born on 30 May 1986 in Ernakulam, Kerala. She grew up in an orthodox Muslim family, where traditional values shaped much of her early life. Her father, Pyarijaan Sulaiman, passed away when she was in Class 12, a loss that deeply affected her and her family. She also has a sister, and together they were raised in a conservative environment that often limited women’s freedom.
Despite these challenges, Rehana pursued her education with determination. She studied at the Government Higher Secondary School in Ernakulam and later completed her Bachelor’s degree in Commerce. She went on to earn a Master’s in Computer Applications (MCA) from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). Her educational journey reflects her commitment to building a professional career, even while facing personal struggles.
Family and Personal Life
Rehana’s personal life is as interesting as her public journey. The actress is married to M. Murugan, a film director and activist. The couple has two children, and despite the controversies surrounding Rehana, her family has often stood by her side. Her husband has been supportive of her activism, even when it attracted criticism from conservative groups.
Her family background shows the balance she tries to maintain between her roles as a mother, wife, and activist. While her children have sometimes faced challenges due to the public attention on their mother, Rehana has spoken about raising them with values of equality and freedom.
Career Beginnings
Before becoming widely known as an activist, Rehana worked in the telecommunications sector. She also tried her hand at modeling, participating in campaigns that often carried social messages. In 2017, she made her debut in the Malayalam film EKA, which dealt with themes of identity and social issues.
Her professional journey reflects her diverse interests. From corporate work to modeling and acting, Rehana explored different fields before dedicating herself fully to activism. Each step added to her confidence and public presence, preparing her for the challenges she would later face as a social figure.
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Activism and Social Work
Fathima’s activism began with small steps but quickly grew into bold campaigns that challenged deep-rooted traditions. She has always spoken strongly about gender equality, questioning why women are often restricted in public spaces or judged for their choices. Her activism is not limited to temples or religion; she has also raised her voice against moral policing, sexism, and the silencing of women in everyday life.
One of her early campaigns involved participating in social demonstrations that highlighted the freedom of women to dress and live as they choose. She often used symbolic acts to make her point, such as bold photoshoots or public statements that questioned stereotypes. These acts were not just about her personal freedom but about sparking conversations in society. For many young women in Kerala, she became a symbol of resistance against patriarchal norms.
The Sabarimala Temple Controversy
The turning point in Rehana’s public life came in October 2018, when she attempted to enter the Sabarimala temple. The Supreme Court of India had recently ruled that women of all ages could worship at the temple, breaking a centuries-old tradition that barred women between the ages of 10 and 50. Rehana, then 32, decided to exercise this right.
Her attempt to enter the temple was met with massive protests. Thousands of devotees opposed her move, arguing that it went against tradition. She was given police protection, but the situation quickly turned tense. While she could not complete her entry, her effort became a national headline. Supporters praised her courage, saying she stood for constitutional rights and gender equality. Critics, however, accused her of hurting religious sentiments.
Legal Challenges and Controversies
Rehana’s activism has often landed her in legal trouble. After the Sabarimala incident, she faced multiple cases for allegedly offensive social media posts. In one case, she was arrested for sharing a video where her children were seen painting on her body, which critics claimed was obscene. Rehana defended the act, saying it was meant to challenge taboos around the female body and promote body positivity.
She has also faced restrictions from courts, including orders that limited her public activities. These legal battles have been exhausting, but they have also kept her in the spotlight. For her supporters, the cases show how society punishes women who dare to break rules. Her critics prove that she crosses boundaries of decency.
Publications and Writings
Rehana is not only known for her activism but also for her writing. She published her autobiography titled Shareeram Samaram Sannidhyam, which translates to “Body, Struggle, and Presence.” In this book, she reflects on her life experiences, her activism, and the challenges she faced as a woman who dared to question traditions.
The book explores themes of body politics, spirituality, and resistance. It is written in Malayalam and has received mixed reactions. Supporters praised her honesty and courage in sharing personal details, while critics argued that her views were too radical. Regardless of the opinions, the book added another dimension to her public image, showing that she is not just an activist but also a thinker who wants to document her journey for future generations.
Interesting Facts about Rehana Fathima
- Rehana is also known by another name, Surya Gayatri.
- She was the first woman to attempt entry into the Sabarimala temple after the Supreme Court verdict.
- Apart from activism, she has worked in telecommunications and acted in films.
- She often uses art and symbolism, such as body painting, to challenge stereotypes.
- Despite controversies, she continues to inspire debates on women’s rights in India.
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