IT News
Imphal, Mar 5:
Shumang Leela actor and director Oinam Thoiba, known for his role in Khamnu 82 and Emamma, passed away on Tuesday. He was born on September 15, 1954 at Naharup Awang Leikai, Imphal East.
Oinam Thoiba started performing Shumang Leela in the year 1976. He was introduced in the field by Oja Bidhu, popularly known as Soibon Saba. His first play is “Puya Meithaba” under the guidance of Ningombam Angouton. He was popularly known as Ebai Thoiba from the Shumang Leela “Khamnu 82.” He learned Shumang Leela from different mentors like Ningombam Angouton, Oja Mayurdhaja, Birjit Ngangomba etc.
He has acted in over 100 Shumang Leela and directed many plays in different groups. Some some the popular play acted by Ebai Thoiba include Puya Meithaba, Jagoi Sabi, Laman, Churanthaba, Manglangi Manja, Khumnu 82, Nungshibagi Mamal, Chahi Taret Khuntakpa, Miss Sangbanabi, Abir Khan, Nungshi Mapao Tadrabasu, Mou Apaibi, Enamma and Maogi Ebai.
Oinam Thoiba was associated with the groups: Imphal Jatra cum Drama Association, Time Star Artists Union, Naharol Khongthang Artist Association (Chakthekpi Party), The North Imphal Jatra Mandal, Peace Maker Artistes’ Association etc.
He won Best actor award in the play “Leikang Thaba Thabaton” of Imphal Jatra cum Drama Association in the festival of Shumang Leela 1984 organised by Manipur State Kala Akademi. And, won Best Supporting Actor – in the play “Manglangi Manja” of Imphal Jatra cum Drama Association in the festival of Shumang Leela 1990. As a director, he won Best Director award for the play “Arangba Thawanmichak” by Peace Maker Artistes’ Association, in the Shumang Leela Festival 20016-2017 of Manipur State Kala Akademi and second best director for the play “Keidoungei Chatkani” by The North Imphal Jatra Mandal, in the Shumang Leela Festival 2006-2007. He was also performed in Manipuri films, which include Ema Ei Leihourage, Chekla Paikhrabada and Loktak Patki Nungshibi.
Ebai Thoiba retired from the Shumang Leela in 2017 from the group Peace Maker Artistes’ Association while receiving the Best Direction in the Shumang Leela Festival 2016-17 organised by Manipur State Kala Akademi.
