About the videos: as told by Uttam

1. Shagi Lamchaat (Chinggi Leirang)

The Concept behind Video Making

This is my first ever music video from the album “Lamdam Tamna”. “Shagi Lamchaat” is based on events in Manipur that unfolded after the abduction and brutal murder of an eight year old girl called Lungnila Elizabeth by unidentified criminals in November 2003. The incident shocked the people of Manipur and it was the first of its kind where children were kidnapped for ransom. It triggered unprecedented mass protests and condemnation from people cutting across narrow ethnic and communal lines. The abduction and cold blooded murder affected every one including musicians and artists. The music video was an attempt at not only castigating the inhuman act but also to capture the atmosphere of solidarity between groups in Manipur. The video uses heartrending real footage captured by individuals and the media during the agonizing episode. This was also my first fusion progressive rock. There were no stunts or over dramatization in the video despite reliance optimum cultural expressions.

Check out this video in Ooba here.

2. Uttam Eidi Ngaorey
This was my second music video and from my album called Kanglasha. It was made as an experimental attempt considering the fact that music videos and albums market system in Manipur were not as developed as other cities around the world. I wanted to produce the video on the lower budget and all shootings were done in a studio and some other indoor locations. Unlike popular music videos during that time, it had no guest artistes or familiar faces popular from Manipuri films industry. The video features only band members shot either during recording session or a break. It went on to become one of the most watched music videos and hummed songs by youngsters after its release.

Check out this video in Ooba here.

3. Khanduna Yengu
This music video was the last video shooting with my former lead guitarist (late) Mr. Pravin Raj. An intense power ballad, the music video also coincided with deteriorating health of Pravin Raj. During the making of the same video, he insisted on a re-shoot so that he looked good on screen. Fate willed that we could not mount a re-take or re-shoot. He fell seriously ill and passed away. This video is dedicated to him.

Check out this video in Ooba here.