Ithoi Oinam: A Promising Contemporary Manipuri Actress

Shivansh Aheibam *

Ithoi with Bishesh from the film "It's Not My Choice" (2015).

Ithoi Oinam stands as one of the most promising talents in the contemporary landscape of Manipuri cinema.

With an impressive body of work, including critically acclaimed films such as It's Not My Choice (2015), Nongmei Paiba Rapist (2022), and Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! (2021), Larei Lathup (2021), and Tharoi Ahambei Mahao (2022), Ithoi has ascended to a position of prominence, embodying a rare combination of grace, depth, and versatility.

Her journey into the cinematic arts began almost as an act of destiny. Born into a family steeped in the tradition of filmmaking, Ithoi made her screen appearance at the tender age of 3 or 4 in one of her father's (the late Oinam Sanou) directorial ventures, thereby planting the seeds of her future artistic endeavors.

However, it was her role as a lead child actor in Chan-Thoibi (2009), a film written, edited, and directed by the prodigious 11-year-old Priyakanta Laishram, that marked her first significant foray into acting.

Shot on a Nokia N70 mobile phone, Chan-Thoibi garnered attention for being a film completely made only by children under the age of 12 and its striking performances, earning the admiration of prominent news outlets such as Asian News International and Reuters.

Since the film's characters were all played by children under the age of 12, Ithoi played the role of a stepmother.

Ithoi continued to refine her craft in a series of children's music video albums, directed by Priyakanta Laishram, which served as a formative period in her development as an actor.

Her metamorphosis from a child performer to a leading actress was marked by her debut as a grownup actress in the music video album Haakhinu Thamoi (2014), directed by Hemanta Khuman. This transition paved the way for her supporting roles in a string of popular films, including Amukta Ani, Sira Shi Changa Chang, Nungshi Feijei, and Eikhoi Pabung Gi.

Ithoi Oinam with the Best Actress Award at SSS MANIFA 2023.

Ithoi's breakthrough came with her role in the award-winning film It's Not My Choice (2015), where she starred alongside Bishesh Huirem under the direction of Priyakanta Laishram. Her portrayal of an LGBTQ ally in this Manipuri queer film was met with critical acclaim, both domestically and internationally.

It's Not My Choice recently made history in 2024 as the first Indian short film to be adapted into Thai, further cementing Ithoi's role in a landmark project.

Her trajectory continued upward with leading roles in several feature films such as Satlo Leirang Satlo, Hoo Sangom, Larei Lathup, Eigee Nupi Tamnalai, and Khomlang Laman.

Of particular note is her performance in Spaced Out—Panthung Di Kadaaida! (2021), directed by Priyakanta Laishram, where her nuanced portrayal of Laija—a young woman who refuses to compromise her principles for love—garnered widespread praise from critics in Manipur and at international film festivals alike.

The year 2022 marked a turning point in Ithoi's career, as she earned her first major accolade for Best Actress in a Lead Role at the SSS Manifa 2023 for her performance in Nongmei Paiba Rapist, directed by Robita Leima. This achievement was followed by a second award for Best Actor (Female) at the 15th Manipur State Film Awards 2023, in recognition of her powerful role in Tharoi Ahambei Mahao, directed by Homeshwori.

As the daughter of the late Oinam Sanou, a revered film director and comedian, and Oinam Sushila, Ithoi Oinam is both the inheritor of a rich artistic legacy and a trailblazer in her own right.

Her formidable talent and unwavering dedication to her craft portend a future replete with artistic triumphs. Ithoi's star is not merely rising; it is destined to shine brightly, leaving an indelible mark on the firmament of Manipuri cinema.

Ithoi Oinam