KAMALI MOORTHY

skateboarder

Kamali’s skateboarding skills are breaking cycles and changing hearts in her home town of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. She started skateboarding at only 5 years old, and has continued to pursue her passion despite the stigma of being the only girl skateboarder in her community.

Helping Kamali to fulfil her dreams is her mother Suganthi: who, after leaving her abusive marriage, wants her daughter to have the options she never had. After drawing international attention, their story was made into a short film that scooped Best Short Documentary at the Atlanta and Raindance film festivals, plus a BAFTA nomination. Kamali has since been gifted her first proper-sized skateboard, while Tamil musician Priya Ragu has recorded a song in her honour.

Kamali is continuing to make waves by taking part in Jugaad, a national skateboarding competition in Bangalore, and winning silver at the National Roller Skating Championship in Punjab. Suganthi is also daring to dream of bringing home gold the next time around.