National Award-winning Manipuri filmmaker, music director and actor Oken Amakcham passed away today after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Manipuri cinema.
Born on March 1, 1962, at Kongba Kshetri Leikai in Imphal East district, Amakcham began his career in theatre before entering films. He made his acting debut in Iche Sakhi (1986) and directed his first feature film, Khonthang (1992), which was selected for the Indian Panorama section of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in 1993.
He earned national recognition when Mayophygee Macha (1994), scripted by M.K. Binodini Devi, won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Manipuri. In 2002, he directed Lammei, the first Manipuri video film to receive a commercial theatrical release, ushering in the digital era of Manipuri cinema. His other notable films include Cheina, Tellanga Mamei, Nungshithel, Aroiba Bidai and Thajabagee Wangmada.
Apart from filmmaking, Amakcham served as a jury member of the 58th National Film Awards, Vice-Chairman of Film Forum Manipur, and directed documentaries on noted theatre personalities, besides composing music for several of his films.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed grief over his demise, describing him as a towering figure of Manipuri cinema whose contributions would remain an enduring legacy.
The Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) organised a floral tribute and candlelight memorial at its Palace Compound on Sunday, where members of the film fraternity, artists and admirers paid their last respects.
Amakcham is survived by his wife, Jenita Amakcham, and other family members.
