Ngangbam Swanrjit Singh (80) is a Manipuri artist popularly known for his expertise on as Make-up artist, Costume designer, Art designer, Lyricist, Potloi (Manipuri frock) maker, Dress maker, Craftsman and also a writer.
He wrote Manipuri book “Saktam Semba”, one and only book written about make-up and currently Vol. II of the same book is on its last stage of publication.
He has been honored with various awards and titles recognizing his extraordinary contributions in the field of Manipuri Theatre as well as in Films since the reign of Celluloid, long back to the introduction of Digital films. He had been associating with theatre (Drama) as an actor, as a Make-Up artist, Costume Designer since his very early age.
To mention a few North East Gold Award 2013 by Panthoibi Cultural Research Centre, Manipur State Award 1991 in “Make-Up and Costume”, Dr Ambedkar National Award “Shikshak Ratna”, “Specialist in Make-Up Arts” by NSD New Delhi, “Silpa Bhusan”by Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, “Lalit Ningshing Khudon” by Theatre Centre Manipur, “Ashalata Award” by Mnaipuri Dramatic Union, “Best Costume Designer Award” in 1st Manipur State Film Festival 1984, “Best Make-Up Award” & “Best Costume Designer Award” in the 2nd Manipur State Film Festival, “Certificate of Honour” in 25 YEARS of Manipuri Cinema MFDC, “Shakloi-Shakyek-Potloi Sampot Khutshuremba” by Panthoibi Natya Mandir, “Certificate of Honour” by Miss Manipur Committee 2006-2007, “Certificate of Honour” in Horizon Music Award 2002, “Certificate of Appreciation” by Digital World Film Production Centre and so on.
Ngangbam Swanrjit Singh was born in August 31, 1937 at Jahmasthan, Yaiskul, Imphal. He started learning the basics of the Art forms from his father late Ng Jugulchandra since his tender age of life while his father used to accompanied him during his work.
He was inspired by his father in the field of Acting, Art & Craft, Painting, Costume designing (Potloi making).
He started associating in theatre at early age of 12, Singh started performing in theatre plays in the role of Vishwamitra in Harishchandra and Shri Krishna in Uttara, staged by Boys Dramatic Union at MDU.
In both the roles he was honored with Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. Besides taking part in plays as actor he was also involved in making art and painting materials were needed in plays.
He has also performed in New Delhi, Bhopal, Gujarat, Bangalore, Madhya Pradesh and Calcutta.
He learnt the art of Craft, Sculpture, and Painting etc from Guru Shyamo Sharma, Shyam Sunder and RKCS.
He further studied at Art College, Imphal when the college was newly established. There he mastered the skill of Make-Up of Play from his master Shri Lala Singh.
He got enrolled in Manipur Dramatic Union (MDU) later in 1954.
At the age of 12, Singh went to started performing in theatre plays in the role of Vishwamitra in Harishchandra and Shri Krishna in Uttara, staged by Boys Dramatic Union at MDU.
In both the roles he was honored with Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. Besides taking part in plays as actor he was also involved in making art and painting materials which were needed in plays.
He is among first few in Manipur to get trained from National School of Drama (NSD) Delhi.
In 1971, when film movement gained its momentum in Manipur, he stepped into filmdom. In 1984, he won the award of best costume designer for his enterprise in designing the costume of “Saphabi” which won ‘A National award’. Again in 1994 he was honored with the same award for the film ‘Eche Sakhi’. Best Make-Up for ‘Paap’ in the same festival.
Likewise in other fields, his contribution in Film development in Manipur will remain priceless. He has already made his debut in more than 16 Manipuri Feature Films as Art Director, as Costume Designer and Make-Up.
Thambalnoo, Kombirei, Ingelei, Sana-Keithel, Paap, Iche-Sakhi etc. are some of Manipri Films which were successful with his scoring contribution.
