Banka Sharma named for Lifetime award
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 05 2022: The 14th Lifetime Achievement Award, 2022 of Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) would be conferred upon renowned filmmaker and lyricist Laimayum Banka Sharma.

According to MSFDS secretary Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, L Banka has been nominated for Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution towards the growth of Manipuri cinema.

The award carries a 'Maibi' memento, citation, shawl and cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.

Hailing from Uripok Khwai Brahmapur, Banka was born on December 11, 1945 to (late) L Rajbapu Sharma and Ibempishak.

Banka, who is 76 years of age, has been associated with Manipuri films since the first Manipuri feature film 'Matamgi Manipur' though he was not a part of the film crew.

He even assisted director Debkumar Bose through suggestions for various scenes of the film to capture the right emotions especially in the classic number "Eigi Punshi Nangga" .

The secretary also conveyed that Banka reached the peak of his popularity after he took on board 'Nightingale of Bollywood/India', Lata Mangeshkar, as a playback singer for his films 'Meichak' and 'Madhabee' .

Always with an aura of self-esteem, Banka said that he always wanted to be "The Captain" in production of a film, remembered Sunzu, adding that Banka has so far directed timeless films such as 'Wangma Wangma', 'Yairipok Thambalnu', 'Meichak', 'Madhabee', 'Poppy' and 'Laman' .

He also made short films including 'Carpenter and his wife' and 'Mitsna', said the secretary.

Banka was also among the early Manipuris who went to Mumbai to receive professional film schooling.

He was trained in editing from Film and Television Institute, Mumbai in 1971 where he got acquainted with various film personalities though he did not complete the entire course.

Banka is married to Veaikholinng Gangte, arid the couple have three sons, three daughter in-laws and four grandchildren.

The seasoned filmmaker is now eyeing to make the legendary "Khamba-Thoibi", digitally remake "Madhabee" and write a book sharing his long years of experiences.

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