Cash prize for Shumang Leela artistes in AMSLF on the cards
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 16 2018: In a big boost to Shumang Leela artistes, Manipur State Kala Akademi (MSKA) is putting in best efforts to put a separate fund in the State budget to incorporate cash prizes in Best Artists Awards given on the occasion of All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival.

Talking to The Sangai Express, MSKA Programme Officer Keisham Rajumani said that only certificate and memento were given to deserving Shumang Leela artistes as Best Artists Awards till the ongoing 46th edition of All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival.

He appreciated the role of Shumang Leela artistes in spreading influential messages mainly on social issues through their play.

He drew the attention of the State Government to take cognizance of the efforts being made by MSKA and ensure a separate fund for Shumang Leela artistes in the State budget at the earliest.

When a reporter of this daily paid a visit to the festival venue at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound yesterday at around 2 pm to watch 'Thawaigi Thawaigi' play of Iramdam Manipur Artistes Association (EMA), a large number of people were seen making a beeline at the venue.

The road leading to the venue was jam-packed with vehicles belonging to the visitors including CRPF and Assam Rifles personnel.

Artistes who staged 'Thawaigi Thawaigi' play were Chinglen Thiyam, Geetchandra Chongtham, Khekman Devan, Oken Thoudam, Sur Athokpam, Bijentakumar Wangjam, Tony Akoijam, Khekman Brojen, Robindro Langthabal, Heramoti Thongram and Surchand.

Rajumani said that Governor Dr Najma Heptulla was supposed to grace the inaugural function of the 46th All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival on January 24 as the chief guest but she could not do so due to an illness.

She was replaced by Dr Y Radheshyam, Chairman of Manipur Electronics Development Cooperation Limited as the chief guest, he added.

Various awards of the festival include Best Actor & Actress, Best Supporting Actor & Actress, Best Comedian, Best Child Artiste, Best Script, Best Director, Best Production, Best Male Voice, Best Female Voice and Best Music Director, he informed.

Claiming that MSKA incurred around nearly Rs 9 lakh in organising the festival, he informed that the festival will conclude on February 17 with "Sageigi Lan" play of Apunba Artistes Association.

He said that Manipur State Kala Akademi Employees Association will organise a charity show on February 18 at 2 pm wherein "Pameldugi Ukhada" play will be staged.

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