Panchayats: West Bengal
This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content. Readers will be able to edit existing articles and post new articles directly |
Contents |
Panchayats: West Bengal
Why Mamata wants every inch of rural Bengal
Saugata Roy, TNN | Jul 24, 2013
More powerful than in the rest of India
The panchayati raj system in Bengal works differently from the rest of the country. Here, the panchayat pradhan or the zilla parishad chairman is all powerful. He has the final say in most matters relating to development and governance, hence it's to him that the ordinary villager turns to for everything - from his birth certificate to his daily job.
Therefore, the Bengal panchayat elections are a high-stakes game, not just because they're about power and patronage networks. They have a lot to do with money as well. Reason why politicians are locked in such an intense bloody battle for every inch of territory.
Over the years these power and funds have devolved to the gram panchayats and, in the rural hinterland local bodies have emerged as key power centres. So critical, that they can make and unmake governments. === Zilla parishad chairmanship more sought after than MLA or MP The lure of a zilla parishad chairmanship is so strong for a politician that he'd rather go flat out for the post rather than become MLA or MP. The zilla parishad is the topmost layer of the three-tier panchayat system.
At the grassroots level, the gram panchayat pradhan is the nodal person. He holds the key to rural life and handles between Rs 40 lakh and Rs 1 crore a year in centrally-assisted and state government grants.
Subjects handled by local bodies
The government has moved 28 of the 29 subjects listed in the Constitution's Eleventh Schedule to these local bodies — rural roads to sanitation, land reforms to child and mother care, housing to irrigation. A former state minister from Left Front constituent Forward Bloc once described the power of a village headman thus: "Opore bhagaban, niche gram pradhan (God is in heaven, on Earth the gram pradhan is the real repository of all powers)."
Funds
State government figures speak for themselves. In 2007-8, a total of Rs 1,881 crore went to the three-tier panchayat.
With funds pouring in, some 58,000-odd elected panchayat representatives control the levers of the panchayati raj system. Political parties want their people at the controls to ensure a tight grip on the beneficiaries - the rural population and their support during the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls.
A landless labourer has to humour the panchayat pradhan to get a slice of homestead land free. He needs the pradhan's certificate for a house allotment under Indira Awaas Yojna or an old-age pension for his mother.
1978 to 2008
From 1978 to 2008, CPM and the Left Front had a virtually unchallenged run in panchayati raj institutions till they suffered a jolt after Singur and Nandigram happened in the last leg of Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee's government in 2008. This was when the Trinamool Cogress wrested 9,379 (22.59%) gram panchayats and two zilla parishads — East Midnapore, and South 24-Parganas from the Left.
The CPM till 1988 used these bodies to script an alternative route to development through progressive land reforms and pro-poor policies. Human indices such as child mortality and mass education jumped. But, in the post-Nineties, the mission got distorted when party leaders began controlling these rural bodies through patronage networks, muscle and money power.
Panchayat doles
With agricultural productivity slowing, the rural poor got evicted and became more dependent on party-driven panchayat doles. Some used these sweeping powers to mint money in the bheris (commercial fisheries) of Sashan, North 24-Parganas. They began eating up land for real-estate developers in Bhangar and Baruipur in South 24-Parganas, controlling sand-mining operations from the Damodar River along the Burdwan-Birbhum border, or promoting mafia interests in the coal belt. These areas later turned into flashpoints of violence.
2011
Mamata Banerjee used the boiling anger among the rural poor to her advantage after winning power in May 2011. Her men locked up the CPM-run panchayats. The government asked block development officers and district magistrates to run the show turning the philosophy of "planning from below" on its head. The Trinamool chief now wants total control of panchayats to push her tally in the coming Lok Sabha polls.
The politics of hegemony and the resulting bloodbath have prompted some, such as Cogress leader Nirbed Roy, to demand replacement of the present system with a party-less democracy at the panchayat level.
Retired IAS and former panchayat secretary M N Roy refuses to buy the argument. "Party-less democracy won't work in a politically-polarized state like West Bengal. What is worrying is the lack of dialogue and governance. The panchayat institution was meant to usher in development from the grassroots. Laws and rules are fine. The political will to include villagers irrespective of the party they belong to seems to be badly missing," says Roy.
PANCHAYATI PUNCH
RURAL RULES
28 of 29 subjects devolved to panchayati raj institutions — from rural roads, sanitation to housing, jobs, irrigation to maternal & child welfare
This makes panchayti raj institution heads powerful. They control rural lives,
58,000 Elected panchayat representatives
THE GROWTH & DECAY
1978 to 2008, CPM-Left Front monopolised panchayati raj
Till 1988, CPM-led local bodies pushed pro-poor policies
Post-1990s, growing influence of land sharks, sand & coal mafia
Rural poor evicted, increasingly dependent on Party-driven panchayat doles
Landless labourers under panchayat pradhan’s thumb.
In 2008 shakedown, faultlines burst open in Singur and Nandigram
Trinamool wrested 9,379 (22.6%) gram panchayats and two zilla parishads
Now Mamata Banerjee wants hegemony on panchayats to boost tally in Lok Sabha 2014
Patronage networks
These posts more coveted than MLA or MP
Panchayat pradhan has at his disposal Rs 40 lakh to 1cr a year, key issuer of NREGA jobs (MPLAD funds Rs 5cr pa)
1881cr | Funds with three-tier panchayat (2007-08)
VIOLENT POLLS/ 2013
Held in five phases over 15 days in July 2013.
Large-scale intimidation’s led to 6,274 uncontested seats
In Hooghly, voting took place for only two of 337 gram panchayat seats and only one of six zilla parishad seats. All 70 panchayat samiti seats were uncontested
In fourth phase on Jul 22, 7 killed | 3 in Murshidabad, 2 in Birbhum, 1 in Malda 1 in Nadia
In fourth phase, about 100 live bombs recovered from various places
CINEMA REVIVED
The movie moguls of manipur
Oinam Sunil and K Sarojkumar Sharma | June 23, 2012
Every year the Manipuri industry makes 40-50 digital feature films on shoestring budgets. And manages to pick up a handful of prestigious national and global awards.
Manipuri movie lovers are, of course, excited by the ambitious venture but they are not staggered by the idea. They have become used to their little film industry throwing up regular surprises. [In 2012] Phijigee Mani directed by Oinam Gautam won the
Best regional film award and Leishangthem Tonthoingambi, who played the character of Yaiphabee in the film, picked up the
Best supporting actress trophy.
If you want to know how a small state of 27 lakh people is sending out great films that are scooping up awards in India and abroad, the answer is - militancy. There has been a 'ban' here on Hindi films since 2000. When it came into effect, it brought the shutters down on 60 cinema halls. Most of them were turned into shopping arcades;one became a school.
This is when Manipuri filmmakers stepped in to fill the void. They made digital video films and screened them in theatres through 35mm projectors. "These films got certification as digital video films and the Censor Board gave permission to screen them in the cinemas, " says Hussina Salam, a former Censor Board member from Guwahati.
The first Manipuri feature film Matamgi Manipur was made in 1972 - the year Manipur attained statehood. Despite a small market and little financial resources, the state film industry has been growing. Today, Manipuri films are made in both celluloid and digital video format, though the latter is cheaper to produce and thus more common.
"Around 40 to 50 Manipuri video digital films [were] produced annually [by 2012]. Earlier, the figure was higher because there was panic production to prevent the closure of cinema halls, " says Chand Heisnam, president of the All-Manipur Video Film Producers and Makers' Association (AMVFPMA).
Chand agrees that the ban on Hindi films by militant organisations has helped the Manipuri film industry grow. "It was a blessing in disguise. Since Manipuri films are virtually the only alternative entertainment for people in the insurgency-hit state, the ban on Hindi films and songs has given a big boost to Manipuri films, " he says.
The films are low cost - the average budget for a film is Rs 8-10 lakh. If the film is shot outside Manipur or abroad, the budget could go beyond Rs 30 lakh. The growing film industry has now revived the state's cinema halls though even now there are no evening shows for security reasons. "Movies are now doing good business again. This has given jobs and livelihood opportunities to all film-related sectors, " says Chand, who is also a producer.
The size of the Manipuri film market is small and confined to the state, which has a population of about 27 lakh. Of late, filmmakers have tried screening the films in Manipuri-inhabited areas of Assam, Tripura and Bangladesh. The state government has also requested the Union information and broadcasting ministry to extend a special package to help Manipuri cinema.
Eminent Manipuri filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma says better films will emerge if there is the required infrastructure in the state. "Manipur should have a prominent film studio and a film institute, " says Sharma, 75, a winner of many national and international film awards.
"The difficulties of finding the required sets and backgrounds would ease if we had a good film studio or a film city in our state. This would also reduce film budgets, " says
Matamgi Manipur bagged the National Film Award in 1973. Since then, many Manipuri feature films have got national film awards and some were selected for Indian Panorama at the International Film Festival of India.
Aribam Syam Sharma
Sharma is a recipient of the Dr V Shantaram lifetime achievement award.
Sharma's Imagi Ningthem (My son, my precious) was the first Indian film that received the prestigious Grand Prix at the Nantes International Film Festival in 1982. Another feature film by Sharma, Ishanou (The Chosen One), was India's official selection for the Cannes Film Festival in 1991. Interestingly, his Olangthagee Wangbadasoo (1979) broke Sholay's record in Manipur, running for 30 weeks at Friends Talkies in the heart of Imphal.
Borun Thokchom
Numerous non-feature films made in Manipur have also won awards in international film festivals in the past few years. Borun Thokchom's Silent Poet was adjudged the
Best debut film by a director in the non-feature films category in the 2011 National Awards. The short film is based on Irom Shamila.
Haobam Paban Kumar=
Haobam Paban Kumar, was the first to make a film on the controversial AFSPA and his short film, AFSPA-1958, was adjudged the
Best 'non-feature film' in the 2008 National Awards. His film, Mr India, won the award for
Best non-feature film on social issues in the 57th National Film Awards 2009. Paban's other films, Kangla and A Cry In The Dark, also won many International Awards including the Fipresci prize at the Mumbai International Film Festival (Miff) 2006.
Search button on main Tv TV Law,Constitution,Judiciary Art (not Arts) Links between pages Open editing for all or few Restore all languages Photo sizing Mass upload of pictures: restore Last 10 Articles uploaded or edited Change opening para for all Create photo gallery
Administrators should be able to: i) Lock items ii) Change headline iii) Delete items iv) Beat the spam filter
The state assemblies are no better
[1] Actor Olen : a much loved actor of the people Created on Friday, 05 July 2013 02:49 Published Date Written by Amukhomba Ngangbam Category: Cinema Hits: 116
Due to limited market and failure to adopt a film policy, Manipuri film industry’s journey is quite bumpy so far. It is everybody’s opinion that introduction of sense of competition and encouraging the youngsters to join the field of professional filmmaking in Manipur are important for speedy growth of Manipuri films. Almost all the producers are making films out of their love for Manipuri films.
“I produce films as I love Manipuri films” - is a common talk among Manipuri film producers. However, film makers need to accept the challenge and make up their mind to do something different and extra. Except some film buffs, no economically sound individual wants to enter into Manipuri film world. Versatile Manipuri film Actor, Lairenjam Olen shares his thoughts to Manipur Times in a recent interview. Lairenjam Olen, one of the leading Manipuri film actors is popular for his roles as a village boy or a very down to earth person. His performances are often loud and impressive. In most films, his role takes a strong dramatic presence and he is often credited with bringing lighter moments in serious films too. Olen’s role in both comedy and tragedy films has won public acclaim on many occasions. Manipuri films ‘Lallasi Pal’, ‘Dr. Yaima’, ‘Nangna Mama Oibiyu’, ‘Lakhipurgi Lakhipyari’, ‘Chang si Chang’ and ‘Radharani’, etc are some of the memorable films of Olen. So far, he has acted in about 180 Manipur digital films. Before his entry in the world of Manipuri digital film, Olen is a theatre artiste. He is a member of Orient Drama Union, Sangakpham, Chingmeirong. In the journey of his acting career, he has achieved
Best actor award in Manipuri film festival organised by Film Forum Manipur in 2007. Film Academy Manipur (FAM) also conferred him
Best actor award for his role in ‘Nungsi Hekta Hairage’ in 2008. Olen has also got NETV People’s Choice award in 1995. He has acted in around 15 theatre plays, two short plays, three celluloid films, 11 video films and nearly 180 Manipuri digital feature films. Olen’s debut film was ‘Khongchat’, released in October 1996. The role of ‘Ta Tomba’ he took in the film is still remembered by the people of Manipur. The script of the video film was written by him. Sanou, cameraman Ratan, Ipu and many others took great roles in the production of the video film. 40-year-old Lairenjam Olen is the only son of Lairenjam Shyamkesho and Ibemhal of Sangakpham, Imphal. His father is a retired Government employee while his mother is a housewife. He passed matriculation from Lairikyengbam Leikai High School in 1989 and graduated from Pune University in Science stream in 1992.
His father was a theatre activist. Once young Olen saw a drama in which his father took the role of a police officer. The drama inspired young Olen to become an artiste. He joined Orient Dramatic Union and started acting in different plays. The first Manipuri digital film wherein Olen took the main role was ‘Lallasi Pal’. In 1998, he was working as a Co-operative Inspector. He had to leave the job due to downsizing policy of the Government. He is married with Ningthoujam Ningol Sarju Devi in 2006. The couple has two sons - Olson and Oasis. “In a ‘Bir Tikendrajit’ play staged on 13 August, I once took the role of Khelendra Subedar. I was so happy to get the opportunity of taking a main role in the journey of my theatre career. In the scene of hanging of BirTikendrajit by the British, one of my friends from the audience teased me. I felt like laughing out loud on seeing my friend’s gesture. But I had to hold it back hard. To control my laughter, my legs were trembling. When the curtain was closed after the end of the drama, I was so happy. I still feel the moment”, recalled Olen. He maintained that the growth of Manipur digital films is very slow as its scope of market remains mainly in the four valley districts of Manipur. Some measures need to be taken up to globalise Manipuri films. Distributor system is yet to be introduced in Manipuri film market, he added. When the distributors system in Manipuri cinema is introduced, there will be speedy growth of market of Manipuri films to some extent. Presently the producers are bringing out films and the marketing of the films is also done by them. Scope of market cannot be expanded under the existing movement of Manipuri films. If a producer experiences loss once, he does not want to invest money any more out of fear. Business loss on the part of producer is also a loss of all the film activists. In case of distributor system, producers will face no market loss. An authorised distributor will purchase a newly released film from the producer at a rate fixed between them. Taking an instance, a producer brings out a Manipuri digital film with a budget of Rs 5 lakhs. He will sell the film to a distributor at the rate of Rs 6 or 7 lakhs with one or two lakhs as profit. The distributor then will automatically make out all efforts to sell the film in every nook and corner around the globe for earning more profit.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lairenjam Olen and Manipurtimes Under such system, market of Manipuri film will achieve good growth, observed Olen while adding that coming out of large numbers of audience is necessary for sustenance of Manipuri film. Manipuri film artistes are working with dedication. The income earned through their works is not enough to maintain family as an artiste. They, however, get themselves satisfied with the appreciation and the clapping of the people. In view of the present scenario of Manipuri film, being an actor or actress is not a well to do profession for earning money. As a result of the poor payment to the artistes, almost all the actors or actresses in Manipur have to sign many film projects for earning. Government need to take up measures to adopt a film policy for promoting Manipuri film, added Olen.
Simple and frank, actor Olen leads a simple life without much vanity. Team Manipur Times extends its heartfelt thanks for his frankness and well hospitality at his home during the rendezvous for the preparation of this feature article. Raju Nong – a singer turn actor Created on Thursday, 14 February 2013 23:27 Published Date Written by James Khangenbam Category: Cinema Hits: 188
“ Tah Raju gidi khallunu eche Mira na yaraga loirae ’ a hitsong by Raju gave rise to a new character in Manipur Film Industry. A macho act with less word and local reflections. Raju had never acted in any film except he attended some theatre classes and represented himself in plays within the State and outside.
A singer turn actor Raju is a favourite in both the art form. The very song “Tah Raju gidi Khallunu Nache Mira na yaraga loirae ’ resembles real love story of the artists himself. Coincidentally the song was written by somebody who approaches him for making it to a song. The producer of the music album thought of making a movie based on the song where Raju was motivated to play the main role. This is how Raju Nong the favourite Singer entered the film industry. Favourite Actor: Alpacino Favourite Curry: Dal Favourite Side Dish: Yongchak Singju Favourite Picnic Spot: Pebbled river bank of Sekmai Favourite Serial: Man Vs Wild in Discovery Channel, Master Chef & Food Safari in TLC. Passion: Cooking In my Bag: An aluminium Mug, Knife, Candles Annual Calendar: Trekking the Cheirou Ching Ranges with local juniors Current Films “ I have sign a film with Homen D’ Wai where I would play the role of a garbage collector who fall in love with a girl from a resident at a garbage pick duty”. This is my latest film venture says Raju Nong. A film by Biren Salam “Bhoot Ki Paisa” where Raju played the main role will be on screen soon. The film was completed last November 2012. Another film is yet to be released too. “There were around 37 approaches and my film count is around 10 plus. I usually go by the role I was offered in most of the film I acted as I think it would suit me most”, says Raju. Early Days Raju a singer turn actor never dream of becoming a singer or an actor. A shy fellow by nature he never use to sing on stage until his classmate who like his songs drag him to a stage where a song competition was held in Adamjati School when he was in the 6th standard. Luckily he won the first prize and from that very moment he gained some recognition and confidence. Raju started attending music classes at Music College after completing his high school. He studied till second year at the then Music College (TG School Centre). Later he joined his classes at Laishram Mema’s Music centre and cleared Visharat from CTI in the year 1996 – 97 guided by Oja Kameshor. Raju became an approved artist of All India Radio around that year. He quit singing for some year for no reason until he come up with a solo album Ho Nong in the year 2002. With no financial back up one of his friend Ranbir invested the entire amount of Rs 1 Lakh for the recordings at Bindiya Recording centre, Pishum Thong. Another friend Tarachand helped him in the lyrics of the album Roll out Songs With the release of the album 'Ho Nong’ a star was born and people started to call him Raju Nong. The song was such a hit even the kids and the old besides the youth sang to their mood. People started inviting him to many musical extravaganzas and he became a renowned star interacting his audience far and wide. Raju has recorded around hundred songs including film songs till now. His solo albums are Ho Nong, Bond, Sana Sabigae and Kite. Three of the albums are profitable ones to the investors as the record sale was big and Raju never charge the producer any money. He was much happy when people recognise him. The last album Kite was a loss for the investors as there was a revolution of CD which fumed the piracy market like anything till date. Some of his hit songs are Leikai Gunda, kari Haiyo Haibagae, Ho Nong, eteima gi khutki khuji, nokmi nokmi, ururae mabu,etc. Almost all of his songs are moody and boyish with the lyrics and the tune in a unique beat. On stage he loves wearing casual dresses like a simple T Shirt with jean and a jacket as winter wear. He often performs with a half pant which make him fancy with a sneaker. The attires make him comfortable and he swings to his tune. Family Raju whose certificate name is Pumananda held from Thangmeibamnd Yumnam Leikai. He is the third child of Adhikarimayum Maipaksana and Sitarani, Pumananda is the third child of two brothers and two sisters. Raju is married. Student life He attended school at Adam Jati High School and complete his graduation from Liberal College. He missed his college election candidature on the nomination day by 5 minutes while he was travelling in a passenger bus to his college. However he continues serving his college volunteering his college mates to the annual youth festival organise by Manipur University. During his college life he was an active member of National Social Service, organising camps and other activities. He was popular among colleagues, junior, seniors and teachers of the college. Raju learn the art of drawing from Oja Joy of DM Science during his vacation times for two years during his college days. It absorbs my mind and ease my emotion when I feel sentimental it is a very strong form of art says Raju. He has a collection of paintings in his custody. Two dimensional paintings and colour shades are some of his fine works. He has even work out a script in cartoon form for a film he wants to produce himself in future. The screenplay works are pencilled in paper booklets. The determination and efforts he puts on it will be realised one day and he is hoping to become a film maker someday. Personal Life Raju never uses a mosquito net at his home and sleeps on floor mattress with a mosquito liquidator in the electric switch board. An adventure loving guy he narrated Manipur Times that he once ride up and down on a rainy night for a musical show at Ukhrul town all alone. Totally drenched he reached home at around 4 am. He was asked to stay the night at a hotel but his mood was to drive the night at that time. Film Awards So far Raju has won two
Best actor titles one by Film Forum Manipur for his role in the film Bomb Blast in the year 2010 and another by Sahitya Akademi and Sahitya Seva Samiti Kakching for his film Tilaikhombi. Going back to where he started his film career Raju Narrated, “ I got an offer to sing for a song in a cassette album Dropati, the title of my song was Leikai Gunda. The script read as ‘ta Raghu gidi Khaluni Eche Memcha na Yaraga Loirae’. On the recording day I requested the producer to change the names to ‘Ta Raju and Mira instead of Raghu and Memcha in order to personalise my real life story as the script coincides with my real life love story. Suresh Hidang producer and script writer of the cassette album was impressed with the song and the video album and we decide to convert it to a full length film. Mera Memcha’ my first film was filmed and screened to a hit and people started calling me Ta Raju. That was the time I realised I entered the silver screen world”. Some of the films Raju has acted are Nobap, Loiba Tarae Ta Raju, Liklai, Gari Driver,Tilaikhombi, Mera Memcha etc. He learnt to drive heavy vehicle while screening Gari Driver where he played the role of a Truck Driver.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Raju Nong Message Raju loves touring many places for film shooting and musical concerts. My songs are humorous and fun. Some soft and sentimental songs like “Kari Haiyo Haibagae” in the film Liklai are experimental and are glad people like it noted Raju. I will sing and act as long as people like me. My Message to the youth is regard your seniors and do not abuse drugs and alcohol. Live life to the fullest and I stand for you. Hamom Sadananda : A Phenomenal Artiste Created on Friday, 05 April 2013 03:09 Published Date Written by Manipur Times Category: Cinema Hits: 347
“Initially I was not a singer but a guitarist. But I started singing after the sudden demise of my elder brother, Shivananda. My brother composed some Manipuri songs by playing guitar with me. After he died suddenly, I sang the songs he composed and released it with some other songs of my own in 1995. The name of the audio cassette was ‘Angaobani Haibire’. It was the first audio album in my singing career. After the release of the album, people started asking about me and I started singing in concerts”.
This was how Hamom Sadananda Singh of Sega Road Thouda Bhabok Leikai, one of the prominent singers and actors of Manipur emerged as a popular artiste. He told Manipur Times that he used to play guitar for local western music bands like Cannibals and Phoenix from 1989 till early 1990s. At that point of time, the influence of western music was huge. One of his elder brothers, Shivananda was also a guitarist with another band called Red Devils. Sadananda's brother composed some Manipuri songs by playing guitar along with him. However, with his sudden demise, Shivananda left behind his composed songs with his younger brother. Sadananda then fulfilled the long cherished dream of his elder brother by releasing an audio album of Manipuri songs namely, ‘Angaobani Haibire’ featuring himself as the singer. Sadananda said, the audio album consists of ten songs including three songs which were written by him. Rest of the songs were written and collected by his brother, Shivananda. When he released the album, he did not expect that people would love his songs. So he continued with western music and was on a tour in Nagaland for about two months. But luckily, after the release of the album, people liked it very much and people started asking about Sadananda. ‘Angaobani Haibire’ was released under Bindiya Productions, Pishumthong Oinam Leikai. People liked most of the songs of the audio album. Some of the songs of the audio cassette are ‘Angaobani Haibire’, ‘Koina Paibi Cheklani’, ‘Nungsinaringei Asuk Waba’, ‘Thungnade Haibagi Warouba Leite’, etc. Sadananda did not get formal learning of music from anybody before he sang the songs of ‘Angaobani Haibire’. But he had some idea of singing because of his close association with local western music bands. At that time, he had got the
Best Guitarist Award. But he was compelled to leave playing guitar after he became a Manipuri singer. Later on, he learnt the basic foundation classical music from Oja Moirang Jiten. Sadananda said, he got inspiration from different artistes as he was surrounded by many artistes. One of his uncles is a prominent Manipuri singer and another one is a tabla player. One of his elder brothers is also a tabla player. He got the opportunity to interact with many singers and artistes when they came to meet them. His family also supported him a lot when he started singing. Till now he has sung around 500 songs. This includes about 100 songs of films acted by him and other songs in audio cassettes and albums. Some other super hit songs of him are ‘Nungsi Maithongdo Yenglak U’, ‘Kuchu Mubi Nangni’, ‘Jeena’, ‘Pizza’, ‘Ingao Ngaojabi Icham Chamjabi’ etc. People love many of his numbers but the most appreciated song is ‘Angaobani Haibire’, because of the lyrics. Although, the album was released in 1994-1995, youths of the current generation who were not born at that period love the songs of the album. Sadananda said that he also likes the songs of this audio cassette and sometimes sings in concerts. Apart from singing Manipuri modern songs and acting in films he also sings Kirtans. According to Sadananda, this form of music is also needed to know. Besides singing and acting he also wants to contribute his bit to the society. He wants to help the needy children. In 2000 he stepped into Manipuri digital film industry, and his first film in which he took the main role was ‘Ingelgi Atiya’. Before it, Sadananda had also acted in a celluloid film which was not released. He also acted as a child artist in the film ‘Sambal Wangma’ and his role in the film was an illiterate boy. ‘Ingelgi Atiya’ was a popular play before it was converted to a film. The second part of the film ‘Laallibadi Eini’ was also very successful because it ended on a happy note unlike other films of Moirangthem Inao. Till now he acted in nearly 100 films. Out of these, ‘Ingelgi Atiya’, ‘Laallibadi Eini, ‘Angaoba Kurao Mapal’, ‘Red Rose’ ‘Thengmankhre Thabalse’ and ‘Reporter’ are some of the films which the public liked much. He graduated from N.G. College in 1997-1998. He is married with Jina from Sagolband Kangabam Leikai and has a daughter. He is not too much in films nowadays because of time constraints. It is very hard for him to manage singing and acting simultaneously. He said that singing is a seasonal profession in Manipur. Number of concerts is huge during winter season. It is little thin during summer season. During the pick season, he sometimes sings at about 4-5 concerts a day, Sadananda said. Regarding singing and acting, Sadananda said, a singer can earn good money of even more than Rupees one lakh in a month. But it is not so in films because of the small market. He had also been conferred with the Public Choice Award by Nongmaithem Pahari Trust. As a singer and actor he has been awarded
Best Singer and
Best Actor awards in several times. In order to maintain the vocal strength, he takes special care while eating. He wants all the artistes of Manipur not to indulge in boozing. He thinks that this will harm the career of the artistes. He said, “It is very emotional and sentimental when I recall the story of my childhood days”. He had struggled a lot in his life before he became a popular singer. His mother was running a roadside tea stall and he used to wash glasses in the stall. After he passed Matriculation examination he used to work as a shopkeeper. He even borrowed bicycle from his friends to attend tuition at times. But after becoming a popular singer and actor life has changed a lot. “Now I am able to build my house at least”, he added. He experienced many bad as well as good incidents while moving at night to attend the concerts. There were certain incidents of road accident and looting. At times the artistes of Manipur had to confront with some indiscipline security personnel but the artistes also got respect and recognition from dutiful personnel as well. Sadananda is imparting training to young children who want to learn music from him. Some of them start attending Sankirtan programmes. Apart from this he is taking part in many social causes. As a sports lover he contributes some materials for the children when they need. He wants to help the people specially the poor. He also wants to arrange a welfare policy for the artistes of Manipur. He is also a member of Rotary Club.
The most important thing he wants to do in Manipuri society is to eradicate the culture of mob justice. He feels very sad when people burn the house of a criminal without caring anything about the possible hardships of his other family members. He appealed all the people of Manipur belonging to different ethnic groups to live together with communal harmony. Let us understand amongst all the communities of Manipur to make our state the most secure and
Best place in the world, he said.
“My Japanese Niece” – a masterpiece from Mohen Naorem
Created on Tuesday, 19 March 2013 22:43
Published Date
Written by Rakesh Lourembam
Category: Cinema
Hits: 104
In Collaboration with FindingTheVoices.com “Since time immemorial there has been a strong bonding between the people of Manipur and Japan which will never be ceased. Every year many Japanese visit the State and used to pay homage to their forefathers who have lost their lives during the Second World War. They have come with a cause which we have never heard or know much. There were also many instances where Manipuri and Japanese have worked together. This incites me to conduct in-depth research on the subject matter. Whenever we see any war films related with Japan, they always get defeated by the so called Allied forces. Looking at the connection, I thought of making a film purely based on the facts finding which is not included on any books written by western authors, scholars and war veterans and which could rely on the actual records narrated by Manipuri forefathers who have associated with the saga”, says Mohen Naorem, Director and Producer of the much awaited flick “My Japanese Niece”. Among some noted film makers who have been promoting the Manipuri film industry in global platform, Mohen Naorem is one among the list. He is the founder of Legend Studio, a global film making company promoting independent filmmakers and talents focusing in making feature films, shorts documentaries and animation particularly focusing on making historical movies related to Manipur and issues of Manipur for the global audience. Established in 2009, the studio within a short span of time has become one of leading global studio having its branches in South East Asia as well as in European countries. He has collaborated with many filmmakers based in Korea, United States, Germany, and Russia and even in South East Asian countries with the common thinking which is to spread and instigate messages on different issues in the form of an entertaining medium. The studio as a part of video funding project where film makers are supposed to submit synopsis to fund providers of the project has contributed 40 films so far starting from 2012.
Since childhood he was interested in film and its importance in society. He has come from a humble background and his family too have little knowledge on film and entertainment. However, his love for the art and confined to master course in mass communication did help him in entering to the film world. From early days, he was vastly exposed to different form of activities like film directing, script writing, camera handling and learned how to convey message to mass public. As it could not create much impact, he was looking for another way in the form of a medium where the mass public can grasp and understand easily. After a certain thought, he realise that film is a kind of medium
Best suited to the State as people understand the art form precisely. His latest much-talk movie “My Japanese Niece” is based on a Japanese soldier and his association with the State. The journey of the film started from a facebook page which Mohen and his core team created to raise fund following the massive earthquake occurred in Japan few years back. By doing so, they got overwhelm response through the page and met with some Japanese counterparts. And, particularly the Manipuri diaspora staying in different part of the world also expressed willingness of providing assistance on the cause. Through the process, they realise that the sentiment, love and bonding of Manipuri towards the people of Japan is so strong. The story line of the film is based on a Japanese soldier who arrived in the State during the Second World War. There, he was given duty of a sentry in a remote village. During the course, he became friend with a Manipuri. The duo used to visit at Allied forces camp area mainly dominated by the British and collect information on about their plan and movement. In an incident, the Manipuri friend was seriously injured in a bomb attack and on his dying bed he requested the Japanese to look after his daughter as his wife was also killed in alike bombing. There, the Japanese accepted the request and decided to adopt his friends’ daughter. At the same time, he was also supposed to follow orders of his seniors where he was told to safeguard some important documents and continued working as a sentry. However, the Japanese did not return to his duty even after the war. He decided to stay back in Manipur by not returning back to his native country.
The cast and crew members of the film included bunch of many renowned actors. The lead role of the Japanese soldier is being played by Junichi Kajioka, a London based actor who has acted in some Hollywood movies. Yu Asada, played the role of the niece. Besides, there are also many actors from Thailand, Korea and even from the State. The film focuses on the three main roles – the Japanese soldier, the niece and the adopted daughter (which will be played by a local actor). “The main roles characters have been entrusted to Japanese because we want to add more lives, originality and essence of reality mainly to the script. Having said that I didn’t meant that the State’s actors are not up to the mark. It’s just the demand of the script of the film. And, moreover we are also targeting global audience. In such, the cast and crew clearly come in perfect place”, he exudes confidently. Technical staffs, equipment, lighting, costume and make-up artistes have also played pivotal role in making the film. Since it is a war film; the shooting team had to procure fire crackers and other needful from outside the State as the said materials are not available in local market. The estimate budget of the film is whopping Rs 1 crore and is set to release in many south east countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Korea etc.
Photo Credit: Manipurtimes and Finding the Voices
“The budget amount may sound high as compared with other State’s film budget, but comparing with the film’s casting, high quality technical equipment, camera etc it stand short. Somehow the team manage in financing the film with the projected amount”, opines Mohen saying that he would want to dedicate the film to the deceased Japanese soldiers.
Around 80 per cent of the film’s scenes have been shot in Imphal area only. Few scenes are also shot in Japan. It will be released probably by late August of this year. They are also planning to release the film in some major cities including Tokyo and also will be screened in International Film Festivals.
Mohen had started making Manipuri feature film since 2006. In 2009, the film “School Karusi” was produced under his own production banner. The theme of this film is based on harm inflicted to students caused by bandh, curfew and blockade. His other film titled “The Uprising” (50 min) is based on the July 18 incident where 18 people got killed and several left injured when trying to protect the integrity of the State. The film narration and story line is purely based on the event footages. It will be released on June 18 of this year. Having putted concerted efforts in making “My Japanese Niece”, Mohen Naorem is also planning of making film related with historical events like “Chahi Taret Khuntakpa” (Seven Years Devastation), Burma War and on war against British. Original podcast of the story is available at Finding the Voices by Monica Ingudam Episode No 3
A Nightingale and a film actor or artist is also a Journalist. Created on Friday, 08 March 2013 22:04 Published Date Written by Phaomei Ganmeilu Category: Cinema Hits: 123
Ningthoujam Rina 37, wife of Chanam Suraj, a resident of Singjamei Chanam Pukhri Mapal was
born in 1975 at Thoubal District Manipur. Her childhood dream was to become what she is now. A talented and determined woman who endured her long cherish dream is a mother of two children. She is an actor, singer who took the main role in National award winning non feature films like Nongdi Tarak Khidre (Indian Panorama, UNESCO award), Joseph Kee Macha (IFFI) etc Her venture in the film started with two celluloid films. The first one titled ‘Thawai Gi Thawai’ in the year 1998 where she played the main role. Yaoshan gi Meiri directed by Bishwamitra is her second celluloid film. She did the main role in many popular non feature films directed by international acclaimed film maker Aribam Shyam Sharma like Meerang, Asungba Nongjabi etc. Meerang is a non feature scripted by Arambam Samarendra. The screenplay for Asungba Nongjabi was done byMK Binodini. Momon Minok, Machetta Loiba, Tomba - a non feature based on child labour directed by renowned filmmaker Ningthouja Lancha could also be mention among popular films where Rina took the role of the main character. Besides her acting career Rina is also a singer of once top charted songs like ‘Wakching Thada Satchabi, Nangna Sahar Da Eina Khunggang Da, etc. She is presently a Journalist working as News Stringer in DDK Imphal. When asked about different professions she has, ‘it’s really good to experience in different things’ she added. She has played in more than 30 Teleplays, 6 other digital formats so far and 2 Celluloid 35 mm. It is good to learn that her younger daughter sometimes acts with her as child artist and that she feels more comfortable and easy to convince her own child. Rina mostly acts for non-commercial film and it is good to learn that her contribution to the people is much of her charitable intention. Ningthoujam Rina started to perform on stage during her schooling. She started singing at the age of 3. A graduate in Geography from Manipur University she completed her Post-Graduate in Journalism & Mass Communication through Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and also did her Hindi Ratna consecutively. A brief idea of some of the classic films she has acted so far are :- Nongdi Tarak Khidre - Based on the true story of a man who one day went to fish in the river and never come back. It was in the midst of Naga-Kuki Ethnic Clash during 1990s. Lunjahao was killed in the clash. The film directed by Lancha is based on Innocent People becoming real victim. Joseph ki Macha - featuring a mother who lost her beloved son and become mad. Machetta Loiba – the main character was adopted by her uncle. She was convinced by a hi-fi pretending rich guy to marry him. Post marriage she felt the contradiction. The film is directed by Lancha. Ashangba Nongjabi - Directed by Shyam Sharma. Keinatombi (Rina) a very simple girl and illiterate folk who endured to admire a popular artist knowing the artist had crush on a rich girl Indu. Keinatombi won the heart of the artists as she appreciates the work of the artist unlike Indu. ‘Mammi Sammi - the story of a woman who lost her husband, taken away by some unidentified underground group. Meanwhile she got married to her childhood sweetheart but she became psychic out of confusion when her husband finally returned. On her successful career as an actress Reena likes to give her credits to eminent personalities like Ninthouja Lancha, Ibotombi, Aribam Shyam, Khetri Rajen, Bobby Wahengbam, Brojesh for their tremendous support. Rina is a perfect combination of sincerity, Personal integrity, humanity, courtesy, wisdom, above all humility. What makes her a legend is her deep love and devotion to her Profession.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ningthoujam Rina In music she completed her Sangeet Visharad from Bhadkhande Lucknow, she is also an approved artists in vocal from All India Radio, Approved artists in Drama. Approved dramatists from Directorate of Information and Public Relation. She sang many once popular Manipuri Film songs like Wakching Thada Satchabi, Nangna Sahar Da Eina Khungang Da, etc. In 2006, she worked as a Correspondent of Naharol Gi Thoudang, News reader in ISTV, Reporter cum announcer in IC TV, Corresponding to Thoubal, IMAGE TV, etc. Henju Naha and few other non feature films are yet to be released expressed Rina. When mention about duration of the time spent for a non feature film she continued saying that it depends and sometimes it takes a year with working days numbering almost 60 days. Public support behind growth of Manipur Film Industry – Romi Meetei Created on Friday, 22 February 2013 23:51 Published Date Written by Amukhomba Ngangbam Category: Cinema Hits: 139
Manipuri film could occupy a small space in cinema halls during the time when Hindi and English films dominated the Cinema halls of Manipur.
Cine-goers of Manipur started watching Manipuri films when Hindi films were banned in the 2000. That was the time Manipuri digital films started replacing the Bollywood and Hollywood films. Now the status of Manipuri digital cinema is not as it was before. Some development could be seen. In the Trend of development of Manipuri digital cinema, the role of film maker, Romi Meetei cannot be ignored. 36 years old Romi Meetei, a renowned Film maker of Manipuri Digital Film, hailing from Wangkhei Pukhrambam Leikai, Imphal East has directed 36 Manipuri feature films and 3 short films so far. Current Films Romi is currently working in 3 Feature films titled Thajagi Maihing, Mounao Thoibi and Likli. Achievements Under his Direction, Romi Meetei has made 3 short films titled Kangkhada Lin, Cease Baby Whimpering Cry and Nung amadi yerum. His short film “Cease baby whimpering cry” was selected for Mumbai International Film Festival and Asiatic Film Medialle, Rome, Italy. Nung Amadi yerum was selected for Frankfurt film festival 2012, Indian Panorama 2011and Mumbai International Film festival (international section). Recently, his short film Kangkhada Lin won the
Best short film award in Brahmaputra valley film festival 2013 held at Guwahati. Film Background Romi Meetei’s first film is Angangba Kurao Mapal, a Manipuri Digital film. He started his career as lyricist. He wrote 200 plus songs for Music albums. He also earned money working as an Instructor of Computer Software Applications at a computer centre. He did many cover designing of Manipuri Music album cassettes too. Romi Meetei did not get the knowledge of film making from any formal Institute. His knowledge of film making is a self taught one without the help of any teacher. Internet was his teacher. He read many books of film making through Internet. Romi Meetei always wanted to make film as he was brought up in a family of music and film lovers. After graduation, he worked as a part time in Graphic Designing and various other works related to film under the guidance of his brother Romi Meetei’s mother Bhanuleima is a singer of Meetei Ishei (folk song) while his father is a Tailor by profession. The artistic talent of his mother gave an impact on young Romi’s mind to be a film maker. During childhood, he participated in the dramas where he played the main role. However he has not preferred acting as lifetime career. Romi Meetei films Some of the Manipuri Digital Films directed by Romi Meetei are 1)
Angangba Kurao Mapal
2) Nangna Mama Oibiyu 3) Inga Nonglakta 4) Ayukki Likla 5) Khuji, Thengmalkhre Thabalse
6) Akhunba Mani
7) Red Rose 8) Chumthang Makhong 9) Lengdaba Lan 10) Manithoiba, Imagi Ibungo 11) Lanfamda Ibeni 12) Mikithi Part 1 and 2, 13) Pizza, 14) Khangdreda Nongdamba, 15) Imagi Laman Singamdre, 16) Ingao Ngaona, 17) Thoibathoibi, 18) Natefamda Tero, 19) Pithadoiahum, 20) Khujilgi Mami, 21) Akaiba Likli, 22) Mamado Leisabido, 23) Angaobodo, 24) Gari Driver and many other Education Romi Meetei got his primary education from Yaimabi Primary School, Wangkhei popularly known as Khgongban School. He passed Matriculation from C.C higher secondary school in 1992 and completed B.A (Sociology) from DM college of Arts, Imphal. Background Music Concept Music is a main pillar of the whole film. It cannot be weak as it helps the temperament of the whole scenes of a film says Romi. His love for Indigenous Music and intention to promote it are the main reason behind the frequent use of Indigenous music as background music in almost all his films. It can directly hit the heart of a man and leaves an indelible impression in the mind of the viewer explain Romi. International Dreams Trying to get a platform of his films in the international market is one of Romi’s dreams. To start the venture Romi is planning to make a children film titled “Eigi yum “(My home). As making of Children films requires huge investment, he plans to make it with the help of some outside corporate markets. To visualise his children film “My home” in many countries, he will seek financers from other countries like USA, Germany, France, Poland and others. Financers involved in making his film will automatically try to show his film in their respective countries with subtitles in different languages. This is the first step of Romi Meetei’s venture to uplift Manipuri Cinema in the international Market. Many children films of other countries arrive our state while our films cannot go outside. There are ample possibilities to export our film products if many good films are made. In the venture to join in the world Cinema, I have moved some steps forward and will not retreat. Dream of making Manipuri films that will be internationalised will surely be materialised, says Film maker, Romi Meetei who always thinks for his state. Manipur Film Industry Scenario The present market condition of Manipuri digital Films is not good. As far as my experience of making almost 36 Manipuri films are concerned, a film hardly earns up to Rs15 lakhs. Among the 36 films I made, there were many
Best feature films. The so-called
Best film in Manipur finds it hard to earn up to Rs.15 lakhs. Producers are afraid of market loss and produce film with 5/6 lakhs budget in view of the poor market condition. If the present Trend of Making films without using much sophisticated equipment or Infrastructures continue longer, there are no positive perspectives of Manipuri films and expansion of the scope of Manipuri films is a far cry.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Romi Meetei Appreciation to supporters I appreciate Manipuri people for watching our low budget films. In view of the equipments and infrastructures required for making a good feature film, Manipuri films are imperfect. Our people however support and watch it. It is an encouragement to the Film activists by our people. Manipuri film Industry has now developed to some extent with the support of our people. Some public acclaimed Actor and Actresses can earn about Rs1 lakh per month. The payment a director receives is in proportionate to their heavy labour in making a film. Right from the start of shooting and releasing a film, film makers are always engaged and do not have chance to earn by doing other business. In view of the market condition of Manipuri films, Film makers are not courageous to claim high wage that they have to compromise with their wages. However, the present wage paid by the film makers is supportive for family maintenance, Says Romi Meetei to Manipurtimes with a complacent smile.
[2]
Hamom Sadananda :: A front-runner with loud cheers
Sadananda Hamom
Hamom Sadananda who is widely sung by the audience of Manipur for his outstanding performance in "The Sky of Autum" or "Ingelgi Atiya" - his debut film in Manipuri Digital Cinema industry as well as turning point of his career. However, after acting in more than 100 movies, today Sadananda wishes to reduce his acting in Manipuri Cinema with the present trends of the industry which is unwlling to develop... Read more below ..... Sadananda Hamom Name: Sadananda Hamom Height: 5' 7 Date of Birth: 16th Feb ( but did not wish to give the year) Address: Sega Road, Thouda Bhabok Leikai Film Works: The Sky of Autum, Mami Sami, Thengmankhre Thabalse , Meera Memcha and many many more No of Film: 96 (ninety six) in which some of his outstanding cinemas are The Sky of Autum series, Reporter, Mami Sami, Inga Nonglakta, Khuji, etc.. Upcoming Movies: 5 movies which is expected to release in 2010. His first film: Ingel gi Atiya (The Sky of Autum) Most Memorable cinema: The Sky of Autum and Mami Sami.
Hamom Sadananda :: A front-runner with loud cheers
Brief Introduction: Born at Thoudha Bhabok Leikai, Imphal, Manipur, Sadananda was the second son of Hamom Mohindro and Hamon Ongbi Indubala among the five siblings and was brought up in the family of below poverty line and the family has to face various financial scarcity. At his early stage of life, he lost his elder brother Late Hamom Shivananda who was his inspiration to the success of his professional life. And he had his formal education from Eden Garden and City School located at Imphal and graduate from N.G. College, Imphal under the Manipur University.
Since long ago, Sadananda was inspired by his late brother Hamom Shivananda's songs who was the then a famous singer of Manipur. And later, he also share the codes of songs with his brother and had to struggle several obstacles to promote and develop these songs. Two of the notable songs which are titled as "Nungshi Nari ngei Asuk Waba" and "Koina Paibi Chekla Goom" became the most incredible songs of the 90's when he was studying in high school.
Later, after the sudden demised of his brother, Sadananda took the responsibilities to take up his brother's songs in the higher level and due to this reason, Sadananda again re-sung all his brother's songs and fortunately the songs again shine in the box office of Manipuri audience.
Later, Sadananda became one of the most famous and highly paid singer of Manipur and finally step towards the Manipuri Digital Cinema industry and has almost done more than 100 movies and another 5 movies are lined up for release in 2010. Today, the artist has lost his interest in acting with the present trends of cinema industry which he thinks has not developed much from last one decade.
He says that although, he will not "completely" act in the film industry but will share his acting in the film industry if something interest come on his way. Now, he will be focusing on his singing profession to complete his dreams to develop Manipuri Music and other social works for the betterment of society. And he is also looking forward and putting his efforts to set up a Musical Institute called "Shiva Institute of Music" and now has approxiamately 200 students learning music under the guidance of Sadananda and other two music Gurus.
Most Difficult Role: According to Sadananda, "Mami Sami" was his most difficult role which he has done so far since the cinema took almost three and half years to complete the shoot to feel the reality of the storyline which was directed by the renown director of Manipur - Ningthouja Lancha. And fortunately, the film was the most incredible movie made so far in the digital movie era of Manipur.
Comment on the present trends of Manipuri cinema: After acting in more than 100 cinemas in the industry and another many are line up to release, Sadananda feels that the Manipur cinema remain in the same status which is unwilling to develop and due to such issues he felt that his professional life is being exploited. And another reason is the producing of various low budget movies by debut director who are using the artists as their training materials and earning the money, instead of trying to increase the market of Manipur cinema. So, today he wants to move away from Manipur digital cinema era but will continue to act in cinema if something which interest him come in his way.
His turning point cinema : The Sky of Autum.
Future Planning: To continue singing and to take the "Shiva Institute of Music" at higher level as well as to develop the Manipur cinema also to completely eradicate the youth involvement in using drugs. And another thing is that he is upset for the artists who are being teased in the public places, which he also want them (public) to teach the proper education to behave well with the artists.
Other activities: He is presently a member of Rotary Club, Imphal West and he is the brand ambassador of "Heart to Heart Project" under the initiative of Rotary Club of Imphal.
Childhood Memories: Well several things came across in his lives as he was being brought up in below poverty line famliy and he still remember various hurdles which he had faced in his childhood.
Favourite Actors and Actress: He has no comment on singling out any individual actor/actress as he feels that everyone is outstanding.
Favourite Song: All the oldies songs as he feels that Old is Gold.... He laughs!!!
Favourite Movies: The entire movies that was played by him.
Favourite cuisine: Indigenous foods of Manipur like Eronba, Singju, etc.. and also chicken curry.
Social Message: Today, Manipur is in the sitaution of high conflict where people do not care in the killing of people among the same communities and which is the reason the Manipuris are becoming extinct. Therefore, he wants the people to come and work together to bring peace and harmony in the state as well as he wishes the people not to differentiate according to their standard status but to live with love and affectionate for the betterment and development of the society as well as state.
