Banka to be honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 05 2022:
The 14th Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) Lifetime Achievement Award, 2022 will be conferred to renowned filmmaker and lyricist Laimayum Banka Sharma of Uripok Machin Khwai Brahmapur.
L Banka has been nominated for the award in honour of his contributions to Manipuri cinema, said a press release issued by MSFDS secretary Sunzu Bachaspatimayum.
The award will carry a memento, citation, shawl and a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000 .
Hailing from Uripok Machin Khwai Brahmapur, Banka was bom on December 11, 1945 to late L Rajbapu Sharma and Laimayum (ongbi) Ibempishak.
"Banka who is 76 now has been associated with Manipuri film since the first Manipuri feature film 'Matamgi Manipur' though he was not a part of the film crew.
He even assisted director Debkumar Bose in particular scenes of the film to capture the right emotions, specially in the classic number "Eigi Punshi Nangga," Sunzu stated.
Always with an aura of self-esteem, Banka said that he always wanted to be "the Captain" in production of a film.
So far, Banka has directed several timeless films such as Wangma Wangma, Yairipok Thambalnu, Meichak, Madhabee, Poppy and Laman.
He also made short films such as 'Carpenter and his wife' and 'Mitsna' .
He 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 but did not complete the entire course.
Banka is now living with his wife Veaikholinng Gangte, three sons, three daughters in-law and four grandchildren.
Sunzu stated that the seasoned filmmaker is now eyeing to make a film on the legend of 'Khamba-Thoibi' digitally.