Popularly noted for ‘Adolf Hitler’ and ‘Bin Laden’ characters in Shumang Leela plays, Artiste Laishram Tomba was honoured by conferring the prestigious Gojen Award 2015 on the occasion of Shumang Leela Ningtham Kumhei 2015 concluded at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace compound Imphal here.
The Award carrying a cash prize of Rs 10000, Citation and Shawl donated by Gojen Memorial Trust was conferred to Artiste Tomba in recognition of his prolonged dedication towards promoting Shumang Leela, a unique performing Art form of Manipur. The Artiste is highly acclaimed for his Character ‘Adolf Hitler’ in the Shumang Lila Play “Lydissigi Gulap” and ‘Bin Laden’ Character in Shumang Leela play.
Born to Laishram Mani Singh and Laishram Ongbi Bhanu Devi of Awang Potshangbam on April, 1968, Artiste Tomba started his career in Shumang Leela art since 1982. Shumang Leela play ‘Memnaobi’ scripted by Oja Birachand which was staged in February, 1985 was his first play. He has acted in more than 56 Shumang Leela plays till date. Some of the popular Shumang Leela plays in which the artiste acted include ‘23rd Century’ penned by Dinesh Tongbram, ‘Memsaheb ki Sari’, ‘Achumbagi dagpham’, ‘Eegi Mahao’ and Lydisigi Gulap etc. He is a key artiste of Naharol Khongthang Artiste Association.
The closing function of the 10-day Shumang Leela Ningtham Kumhei 2015(the courtyard play winter festival) was attended by Parliamentary secretary (IPR &MI) K Meghachandra, former Works Minister and sitting MLA of Sugunu Kangujam Ranjit Singh and Social worker Manaoton as presidium members.
Speaking on the occasion Parliamentary secretary (IPR &MI) K Meghachandra said Shumang Lila is a unique and age old performing art form which signifies the Identity of Manipuris. The art form has been playing great role in bringing a social change. Happenings taking place in society are reflected through the Shumang Leela art form and it is the best medium to convey meddage to the people.
The world knows the hilly state like Manipur for its unique talent in sports and culture. Preserving the age old art form will continue safeguard our identity, he said.
Stating that the state government acknowledges the contribution rendered by the Artiste, he said that Government has started to take up encouraging steps for the artistes by promoting the talented artistes of the state. He also recalled the recent honouring of some of the international award winner artistes and film personalities by offering government jobs.
During the occasion, Pidonnu Award which carries a cash award of Rs 30000 donated by the family of Soraisam Kulachandra and Zenith Academy was conferred ti Karong Tombi, Oja Bori Award to Keikol Ng Chaoba, Ketawn Ideal Award to Naorem Tamphasana Meetei, Ketawn popular Award to K Somorjit
