TODAY -

Aribam Syam Sharma :: Biography

Film Forum Manipur *

 Aribam Syam Sharma
Aribam Syam Sharma



Aribam Syam Sharma is one of the bright luminaries of Indian cinema whose enduring contributions will ever remain as the crowning glories of India Cinema. Eminent film critics of the country like Amita Malik, Samik Bandyopadhyay, Chidananda Dasgupta and M.K. Raghavendra classify his films as amongst the best of Indian Cinema.

His 'Imagi Ningthem' and 'Ishanou' feature in the 100 greatest Indian films of all time. Considering his contribution in all of the three genres of cinema – Art, Commercial and Documentary, national award winning film critic, Meghachandra Kongbam, referred to him as the 'Genius of India Cinema'.

Even today, at the age of 86, the veteran Manipuri filmmaker is busy scripting for his next production. So far, he has directed 15 feature films and 31 non-feature films and scored music for 25 films. Nearly all of his films have been screened at the 'Indian Panorama' of the International Film Festival of India.

With 15 national awards - six for feature films and nine for non-features - a rare feat by any standards, Aribam Syam Sharma is an internationally acknowledged filmmaker of artistic excellence. His films are distinct and unparalleled. Known for narrative simplicity and lyrical treatment, his films articulate stories of the common man, rooted in the socio-cultural milieu of the Manipuri society.

The critics have often underlined the 'uncomplicated frame' that Aribam employs to represent Manipuri life on screen as his finer point. International critics like Derek Malcolm (The Guardian), Gene Moscowitz (Variety), John Warrington (BBC) and Janet Maslin (New York Times) have all termed his films as "masterpiece" and "essential purity".

Aribam is self-taught filmmaker. The production of 'Matamgi Manipur' - the first Manipuri feature film, was the incubation period for Aribam's filmmaking career in 1972. Not only did he participate in the production as an actor and a music director, he contributed in direction as well with his deeper understanding of the culture and traditions of the State.

'Lamja Parsuram,' made in 1974, was his debut film as a director. Then came the folklore based, 'Saaphabee', released in 1976. It won Aribam, his first national award for feature film. 'Olangthagee Wangmadasoo' was his third film whose release coincided with 'Sholay' in 1979. The film went on to become a super hit and still holds the record of being the longest running film ever made in Manipur. It ran for 34 weeks.

The turning point for Manipuri Cinema came in 1981, when Aribam Syam Sharma used a 16mm Bolex camera, to film his sensational 'Imagi Ningthem' (My Son, My Precious), a story about the unconditional love of a woman for the illicit child of her husband. Not only did it win the third national award for Aribam, it toured many reputed international film festivals in New York, Denver, Locarno, Montreal, London and all. It topped it all by winning the 'Grand Pix' at the Festival des trios Continents at Nantes, France in 1982, the first Indian film to win such a reputed award.

After the critical acclaim enjoyed by 'Imagi Ningthem', there was an air of excitement around the nascent Manipuri Cinema. It was in 1984 that State patronage came in the form of the 'Manipur Film Development Council'. In 1991, Aribam directed another international milestone, 'Ishanou' (The Chosen One). It created another Indian record of featuring in the 1991 Cannes Film Festival as an official selection in the 'Un-Certain Regard', another rare feat for Indian Cinema.

'Ishanou' also featured at several international festival as official selection across the globe including – Rotterdam, Toronto, London, Singapore, Seattle, Hawaii, Nantes, Vancouver, Fribourg, Tokyo, among others. After the success of 'Ishanou', he quit his government job as college lecturer and dedicated entirely on filmmaking.

 A scene from Imagi Ningthem
A scene from Imagi Ningthem



HIS CONTRIBUTION TO CHANGE THE PARADIGM OF MANIPURI CINEMA IN DEVELOPING THE COMMUNITY

Driven by the passion to prop up the budding filmmaking activities in Manipur, Aribam Syam Sharma applied to a call for the Secretary-ship of the Council. The government of the day readily decided to depute Aribam Syam Sharma, who was a college lecturer, as the Secretary of the Council.

Two years after, in 1986, the Council transformed into a dedicated governmental agency for the promotion of cinema in the state under the name 'Manipur Film Development Corporation', MFDC, with Aribam as its first Managing Director. It was during his tenure as MD, from 1986 to 1990, MFDC procured state of the art film equipment and initiated various skill development workshops/labs to revolutionize independent cinema of the state.

EDUCATION AND MULTI-DISCIPLINARY FACULTY:

A versatile artist and well versed in music, both as a singer and composer, and in theatre; he studied Rabindra Sangeet and Philosophy at Visvabharati, Santiniketan. Despite his training in classical Indian traditions, Aribam's pioneering contribution as a composer reflects a deep understanding of the nuances of indigenous music and his compositions are considered as classics. He has documented more than 30 hours on the various traditional art forms of Manipur.

SPECIAL PROGRAMME ON HIS INCREDIBLE BODY OF ARTWORK:

Considering his significant contribution in the growth Indian Cinema, Aribam Syam Sharma's films are more read than watched at several of his retrospectives, held nationally and internationally. The 38th International Film Festival of India, Goa, 2007 curated a retrospective of his, titled "A tribute to Aribam Syam Sharma's Cinematic Journey: '...And Miles to Go'."

Special screenings of his films was organized at the Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (University of California) Berkeley, California in 1997. The 6th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2000 featured a retrospective of his documentaries. The 7th Dhaka International Film Festival 2002 also held his retrospective.

So did the Centre for Film Culture, Assam & Guwahati Cine Club in Collaboration with Assam Cine Art Society, Guwahati. The 6th International Film Festival of Thrissur, Kerala in 2009 also featured screening of his body of works. At the 46th International Film Festival of India in 2015, 14 of his films were screened.

Even the 9th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala, held in 2016 had retrospective section of his films. Three of his documentary films – Monpas of Arunachal Pradesh, Orchids of Manipur and Dances of Lai Haraoba – had special screening at the Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival in 2019.

 'Jewel of Manipuri Cinema' conferred  to Aribam Shyam Sharma at MSFDS :: 14 May 2015
'Jewel of Manipuri Cinema' conferred to Aribam Shyam Sharma at MSFDS on 14 May 2015 :: Pix - DIPR Manipur



ARIBAM'S OTHER CONTRIBUTION FOR THE GROWTH OF INDIAN CINEMA:

A relentless mentor and contributor, Aribam Syam has served as the Chairman of the Jury of the Indian Panorama, both feature and non-feature for the International Film Festival of India, IFFI in 1997 & 2015 and 2005 & 2009 respectively. He has also served as the Chairman of the Jury for the International Short Film Competition, Short Film Centre, Goa in 2008.

Towards fulfilling his cherished dream of formalizing filmmaking in Manipur, Aribam Syam played a leading role in the establishment of the Manipur State Film and Television Institute. He had also served as a member of the Governing Council of the Film and Television Institute of India, FTII, Pune, Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute, SRFTI, Kolkata and the member Trustee of the Cine Artiste Welfare Fund of India (now, National Film Development Corporation).

NATIONAL HONOURS AND ADMIRATION TO ARIBAM SYAM SHARMA:

In 2006, the Government of India conferred the fourth highest civilian award, 'Padmashri' on Aribam for his contribution to Indian Cinema. Two years after, in 2008, he was conferred with the prestigious award in the field of short and documentary filmmaking in the country, the 'Dr V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award' by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.

The Government of Manipur bestowed upon him "The Manipur State Lifetime Achievement Award" for his outstanding contribution towards the growth and development of Manipuri cinema in 2000. Again in 2014, he received the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' from the Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival, Assam.

The Manipur State Film Development Society and the Film Forum Manipur, in 2015 conferred the title, 'Jewel of Manipuri Cinema' upon Aribam Syam Sharma.

CONCLUSION:

Manipuri Cinema has made indelible mark in the country's film history. Credit for this milestone is largely due to Aribam Syam Sharma, for his brilliance and dedication in creating masterpieces that have moved international audience, furthering the growth of Indian Cinema as a whole. Beside his films, Aribam has also been the force to install an ecosystem for growth of committed filmmakers and technicians in the state of Manipur.


* This information was provided by Film Forum Manipur to e-pao.net
They can be reached on filmforummanipur20(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This article was webcasted on July 31 2022 .



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025