Noted theatre personality Kanhailal no more : MP T Meinya leads in offering last respect
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 06 2016:
Noted theatre personality Heisnam Kanhailal who gained international acclaim passed away today following a prolonged illness.
Condo-lences have come pouring in to mourn the passing away of the noted theatre personality.
Inner Manipur MP Dr T Meinya expressed deep condolence on the sudden and untimely demise of the theatre personality.
In a statement issued to the press today, Meinya described Kanhailal as a noted art theatre personality and recalled him as the founder- director of Kalakshetra which explores a new vocabulary in the existing language of theatre.
Kanhailal was a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1985 and was awarded the Padma Shri in 2004, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Ratna in 2011 and Padma Bushan in 2016 .
Recalling his long association with Kanhailal, the MP placed on record the ever energetic, untiring and enthusiastic work habits of the legendary figure.
The MP said in his death, the country and Manipur in particular have lost a towering theatre revolutionary.
Meinya and his family also shared the grief and sorrow of the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul.
The Film Forum, Manipur has also expressed grief and pain over the demise of Kanhailal.
In a statement, the Forum said that a condolence meeting was held today at its office at Shankar Talkies at 4 pm today.
L Surjakanta, chairman, Film Forum, Manipur took the chair and the attendees observed a two minute silence to pay respect to the departed soul.
Kanhailal popularised the theatre movement in Manipur and all over the world, it said and added that he travelled throughout the country exhibiting his skills as a theatre personality.
In establishing Kalakhetra Manipur, Kanhailal produced many dramas and showcased them at the National and international levels, the statement added.
Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Imphal has also deeply condoled the demise of Kanhailal.
In a statement, the Parishad recalled that Kanhailal was given the title 'Natyaratna" in 1997 .
Citing Tamnalai, Keibu Keioiba, Pebet, Huranbagi Ishei, Laigi Machasinga, Uchek Lamgmeidong as some of the noted works of Kanhailal, the literary organisation described him as a director who occupied a big space in the theatre of Manipur and India.
A special meeting was convened at its office today and the gathering observed a two minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul.