Shumang Leela Fest kick starts
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 28 2014:
The 42nd Shumang Leela Festival, organised by Manipur State Kala Akademi, has kick started at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen from today.
Twelve female groups and seven male groups are taking part in the competition.
Governor VK Duggal and Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, who is also the Vice Chairman of Manipur State Kala Akademi, graced the opening function as chief guest and president respectively.
Addressing the function, VK Duggal said that Shumang Leela was incepted in Manipur in 19th Century.
In the beginning, the art form mainly portrayed mythological and folklore stories.
However, most of the current plays deal with social, cultural and political issues, he added.
Saying that the art form has been playing a significant role in bringing a change in the society by spreading meaningful messages, the Governor said that Shumang Leela is an effective means to impart awareness on gender issues and check the menace of using intoxicants and corruption etc.
Speaking at the occasion, Okram Ibobi said that Shumang Leela is a powerful medium, which can effectively educate the masses on many social evils.
As such, there is need to put in effort to popularise the art form, he added.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government has been extending support in promoting Shumang Leela.
Prizes for Female Category of the 41st Shumang Leela Festival held last year were also distributed in today's function.
Best Actor and Second Best Actor prizes were handed over to Th Debala and L Dhanapati respectively while Best Actress and Second Best Actress prizes were given away to Ksh Phulka and B Romi respectively.
In the same competition, L Premila adjudged Best Supporting Actor prize while Second Best Supporting Actor prize went to K Sangeeta.
Best Supporting Actress prize was handed over to L Sobita and Second Best Supporting Actress prize to Lolinbala.
L Thambal got Best Actor in Comic Role prize while Ch Bila won Second Best Actor in Comic Role.
Best Child Artiste prize was given away to S Roshini.
'Nongallamdaigi Malangba', 'Sanarik Pareng' and 'Mingalei' were declared First Best, Second Best and Third Best Productions of the competition respectively.
Best Script prize went to Sudhir Angom of 'Mingalei' and Second Best Script Prize to Chana Lukhoi of 'Nongallamdaigi Malangba' .
AK Bingol and Iboyaima Khuman adjudged Best Director and Second Best Director prizes respectively.