TODAY -
✦

E-Pao! EI - Making the Khasi video-Mawlynnai

Making the Khasi video-Mawlynnai

By: Oinam Doren*



There are so many things I am proud of Shillong; the Shillong cool weather due to the AC installed by Jesus Christ in celestial Cathedral church, the quintessential herbal Kwai making all the Khasi girls unfit for kissing, the flourishing educational institutes run by catholic missionaries, the seductive girls from all over the northeast headed by Raisa Deb Barma, NE-Mega model 2004 vanquishing the male libido consequently breeding confused races, the kingly Lou Majaw, mesmerizing music videos by Pradeep Kurbah and Jova's compact DVD store in Police bazaar where you get some of the best non-adult movies. Now see what happens when some Khasi, a Mizo and a Manipuri get together in some corner in Shillong.

The first time when I saw Khasi Don and Khasi Jimmy pompously striding down Laitumkhrah road in their boisterous bikes, I thought these guys must be a******s. They didn't look intelligent. They didn't look clever. They didn't look creative. But when I listen to their diligently crafted song Mawlynnai, I became the biggest a*****e. I promptly got converted into a Snowhite fan. And I have to make a music video on this song to promote their new album-URANGDAJIED.

Making a good music video usually can cost 31 thousand and 75 paise and can go up to 49 lakhs and 55 paise. But Snowhite as a band didn't have any collective bank balance other than the band members' huge personal accounts. The money that Snowhite have earned from stage gigs, have they spent it on drugs, booze and whores? Ask Snowhite if you are an a*****e. The only assets we had was the lovely song Mawlynnai by this Khasi band, Mizo Reuben's Canon XL1 camera bought from remote Australia, Manipuri Doren's strong aesthetic and technical sense lauded even in bihar and our biggest asset FAITH. The Bible says 'Faith can move mountains'. We were planning not to move any mountains in Shillong and alter Meghalaya's geography. We just wanted to make a good music video.

In the first scene, Khasi Jimmy - the drummer plays a Khasi warrior. Mini-kong Darinia, our asst. director and make up artist had to use cow's blood that could eradicate bulls' miles away on Jimmy's face. In fact the bull Jimmy got almost eradicated. He felt sick.

In the second scene, I wanted to shoot in chroma key, which needed a good well-lit studio with a blue screen. I wanted to show Bahep, the lead guitarist running in the nude with Shillong's fast traffic in the background. Hiring a good studio required a good deal of budget that could eradicate the Khasi band Snowhite from this planet before completing their first music video. But we had a novel idea. We borrowed Mizo Maria's sun gun lights and Khasi Don's blue coarse plastic sheet used to cover his monster bike. It was fun shooting, not Bahep's nudity but the cheapest guerilla production technique.

In the third scene, Timmy the vocalist with the power chord needed to be painted in yellow. We decided to hire Laitumkhrah painter, the wistful Leo. We honestly bribed him with kwai, persuaded him with bidi. If it didn't work, our last option was to kidnap his doting mother. Timmy's scene also needed an exceptional studio with gigantic white screens. I instinctively knew too many slipshod compromises could eradicate me from this tough profession. Poor Jimmy was almost eradicated. But we apprehensively had to be contented in Golf link against the blue sky.

In the last scene, Khasi Don the bassist and talented lyricist play an inquisitive philosopher. We shot in Seng Khasi College where he teaches with candlelights. For the band's shoot in Rudy Walang's studio, he charged us by the hour. I think none of us unequivocally tried to fool him about the money. He looked cleverer than all of us. He looked smarter than all of us. We also acknowledge Merina, the beautiful Mawlai chick for the graveyard scene, the dancers and supporters from Seng Khasi institute of dance and music.

Our last stop was Mawdong Vision in Laitumkhrah own by Khasi Ampareen Lyngdoh (my weird ex-professor) with Khasi Andreas technically supporting the studio as editor. I guess we were technically smart enough to extract more tea, biscuits and kwai from her house than the economical fees we paid her. I hope kong Ampareen didn't have to consequently sell her non-linear editing machine to pay for her gruesome grocery bills. A chance encounter with NeTV channel Chairman & Managing director, the flamboyant Manoranjana Sihn to show the video in her channel didn't finalize, as the time wasn't ripe.

Ajtak and Headlines Today showed clippings of Mawlynnai video in my interview. People who have watched the video are wild about its strong concept but honestly said it lack the technical excellence like other professional music videos, the ones you see on MTV. Well how much can you achieve with a camera and all the equipments and technical compromises. If people who have seen the Mawlynnai video like it, give the credit to Manipuri Doren, his associate Mizo Reuben and his non-mizo partner Canon XL1 camera. If you hate it, blame Snowhite.

Snowhite has recently release their new album-URANGDAJIED. I assure you this guys are really talented. Please do get an album of URANGDAJIED - the ultimate in khasi rock. Please support local bands. Please support khasi rock.

Read other articles by the writer
When a Manipuri filmmaker met Delhi - Episode 01 :: Baptism with Bahadur
When a Manipuri filmmaker met Delhi - Episode 02 :: Absolute struggle for identity
When a Manipuri filmmaker met Delhi - Episode 03 :: The Manipuri identity
Oinam Doren is a DV filmmaker based in Delhi. The writer has recently released a manipuri soundtrack album-KOKEN. He is currently burning his a** with his feature film-LITTLE MONK. You can contact him at [email protected]

* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Langban Tha Katchaba @Haying #2 : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2026 : Timeline
  • Prof Kamal Mitra Chenoy : Obituary
  • Tale of Ahu, Alang & Apapang: Amur Falcon
  • Consumerism :: Poem
  • Condemns Khamenlok Killings
  • Humble Appeal to All Concerns
  • Envious of the Chief Minister
  • Delivering a powerful point
  • Catholic Valley Schools Sports #1: Gallery
  • When the extraordinary becomes ordinary
  • The Map We Chose :: Poem
  • Dhakeswar Potsangbam : ToI Wellness Award
  • Nigeria calls on world to turn AMR pledges
  • Understanding the pressure students face
  • Training on Mushroom at Khagempali
  • Pointing finger of accusation
  • Digital Revolution & MK Binodini Devi
  • Exploring The Vanishing Self #15
  • Letter From A Lost Crony :: Poem
  • Procedural lapses in dismissal of Dr Bimol
  • Manipur Sanaleibak (The Golden land)
  • Training on Seismic Hazard @MU
  • 2026 edition of Hnahsin Kut
  • Oncology & Neurosurgery OPD launched
  • Yaoshang Thabal Competition #5: Gallery
  • Orchids of Manipur
  • Pharmacists: A misunderstood profession
  • Vision Service Week at Ibotonsana School
  • Drone Tech Bootcamp at NIT Meghalaya
  • Athokpam Krishnakanta : World 2% Scientist
  • No Solution Without Identifying "Kuki"
  • Stands in Solidarity with Prof Bimol
  • Taking the idea of Manipur to Senapati
  • Yumjao Lairembi Haraoba #3: Gallery
  • 'Enoong Ngallamdai' :: Movie Review
  • VanDyke Release: Diplomacy or US pressure
  • Mental Health Awareness at High Court
  • 2026 NAMA Research Grant [Upd]
  • Fermented food for beauty
  • Mizoram Targets 5-7% Tourism Share
  • The hills continue to burn
  • Hearthside Story of Naothingkhong #2
  • Between Delhi Power & Valley's Protagonists
  • The Zeliangrongpui at a crossroad
  • Mushroom Cultivation Training at Konthoujam
  • Break from within :: Poem
  • White Canes to Govt Ideal Blind School
  • Concerned: Conflict - Yimkhiung & Tikhir
  • Mizoram Travel Fest 2026
  • Condolence : Kh Armstrong Charang
  • Turning Imphal into a dumping site
  • Sushila & Bichu @Airport #2: Gallery
  • When prime-time spectacle replaces priorities
  • For a new world organization for peace
  • Intl Day for Disaster Risk Reduction @MTU
  • Solidarity with Professor Angomcha Bimol
  • Intl Day for Disaster Reduction @Wangkhei
  • Condemns Barbaric Killings
  • Schools, roads, power & water supply
  • 'Meeyamgi Khollao Khongchat' #2 : Gallery
  • RIST Talk #76: Gravitational-Wave
  • Breast cancer month, October, 2026
  • Free Screening of "Ishanou"
  • Unlocking potentials of 7 horticultural crops
  • Skies and me :: Poem
  • Eramdam hanna kanbiyu
  • The hills, the SoO camps
  • Mera Chaorel Houba @ Kangla #1 : Gallery
  • China's Mayor Economy
  • My muse :: Poem
  • Condemns Killings & Beheading of Civilian
  • Who doesn't do Vote Chori ?
  • EZE Perfumes Enters Northeast
  • One to one meet with PM
  • Exploring The Vanishing Self #14
  • 61st Hunger Marchers' Day #3 : Gallery
  • Humlennganba, Saka : Eming
  • Two interviews, one empty table
  • A landscape of silence :: Poem
  • NSS Runathon for Peace 2026
  • Gender equality- central to diplomatic leaders
  • Manipuri Calendar for year 2027 : Download
  • Meiteilon not Tibeto-Burman language: Rvw
  • Visit to George Gordon's tomb at Canchipur
  • Anandkumar Naorem: World Top 2% Scientist
  • Protect the hills to protect the valley
  • Call for Papers on Manipuri Pony
  • Ashok Singhal Ji - A Karmayogi
  • Addressing the basics of life
  • 228th Bheigyachandra @Nabadwip #1: Gallery
  • Wildlife Week Celebration at Thanga
  • Evolving women's role in Manipur tourism
  • Where do we go from here ?
  • Training Programme on Mushroom
  • Festival look for Navratras
  • Condolence : Demise of Adino Phizo
  • Significant Delhi invite to 3 leaders
  • Heterogeneous Structure of Meitei Society
  • Concert @ 18th Orange Fest #1: Gallery
  • When water management was Statecraft
  • Who switched off the respect :: Poem
  • All is not yet lost for Manipur
  • Wildlife Conservation: Securing the Future
  • Exam : Post of Under Secretary (Law)
  • Understanding narco-terrorism
  • 1500 Burma Refugees Families in 1968-1973
  • 17th World Bamboo Day : Gallery
  • Land affected families: NH-202 in Ukhrul
  • Training Programme on PCB Repair
  • World Habitat Day 2026
  • AMR survivor & WHO call to protect medicines
  • Cut fuel taxes, not food
  • Creating chaos on roads of Imphal
  • Sushila & Bichu @Airport #1: Gallery
  • Manipuri Pony: Case for Animal Science Univ
  • Hemp plant for sustainable textile & Manipur
  • Flame of the lamp & our cultural sensibility
  • Without you :: Poem
  • Welcomes Lalremsiami, Lalthantluangi
  • On the growing roadside eateries
  • Naga Peace Process: Indo-Naga Talk: Timeline
  • 36 Names: Manipur at the Asian Games
  • Abok Ki Singju to Premiere
  • A vision fragmented by corruption :: Poem
  • Gandhi Ji's 3 monkeys and Manipur
  • AI-powered X-Rays are helping find TB
  • Mizoram Reward Lalremsiami, Lalthantluangi
  • 15 years in power Vs 10 years in power
  • Exploring The Vanishing Self #13
  • US-Manipur Digital Archiving Workshop
  • 8th Cultural/ Freshers' Meet for Rongmei
  • The Same Smoke :: Poem
  • Supriya looks at HYROX World C'ships
  • AI4SEVA Hackathon @IT SEZ, Mantripukhri
  • 38th Foundation Day- NIELIT Imphal #2
  • Heikru Hidongba @Bijoy Govinda : Gallery
  • Manipur's Indigenous Natural Farming System
  • Basic human needs a struggle for Sinakeithei
  • Demise of Pame, Marinmai, Lianvela
  • When I met the pugilist Sarita
  • 38th Foundation Day of NIELIT Imphal #1
  • Mizoram's Anthurium Festival Returns
  • Poll fever seems to be catching up
  • My attempt - Meiteilon is not Tibeto-Burman
  • XXXII National Thang-Ta C'ship concluded
  • One Village One Product: A better alternative
  • When machines can answer, who will judge ?
  • Explain motive- Tronglaobi Terror Attack
  • Merger of 5 elected members of NPP
  • Namghar Unites Assam & Maharashtra
  • Trade and commerce : In a limbo
  • 130th Irawat Anniversary : Gallery
  • Lamyanba Irabot Day at Itanagar
  • Irabot's Ideals Remembered at Mumbai
  • Coffee as a sustainable alternative to poppy
  • Her Godname :: Poem
  • Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome
  • Rejoinder to NPCC
  • Need to get priorities right
  • Irawat and Meetei National question
  • XXXII National Junior Thang-Ta C'ship
  • World Heart Day 2026: Don't miss a beat
  • Science in everyday life
  • Nature Education Workshop
  • Rejoinder to Dr S C Jamir
  • Daslakshan Mahaparva: Festival of 10 supreme
  • Focus back on SoO camps
  • Raengdai Vs NEROCA : Durand Cup : Gallery
  • October Calendar for Year 2026 : Tools
  • Lebensraum or ethnic cleansing
  • World Alzheimer's Day 2026
  • Sensitization Workshop on POSH
  • Mourns Passing of Aribam Shantimo
  • Lecture on 'Indigenous Knowledge Systems'
  • Rejects allegations by NPCC President
  • The narrative Manipur needs
  • Tour Diaries of Maxwell & Higgins #2
  • Laitonjam Rishikanta @ Asian Bodybuilding
  • First poster of Interlude released
  • In the womb of time :: Poem
  • Running an abnormal State
  • Khunung Eshei & Mukna competitions
  • Conference: Challenge in Sustainable Science
  • Rolling back the highway blockade
  • Exploring The Vanishing Self #12
  • Manipur Mesopotamia Force WWI : Gallery
  • PhD in Manipur : Fund it, Fix it
  • Many Voices, One State: Manipur's dilemma
  • Me and Moon: Both do the night shift : Poem
  • Putting rights: Body autonomy & sexual health
  • Green Tea for beauty
  • Yaoshang Thabal @Khurai #2: Gallery
  • AI = Arangpham Intelligence, the Frankenstein
  • World Pharmacists' Day 2026
  • Tapes of 1979 Film 'Ashroy' Discovered
  • From Pangaea to the unpredictable Earth
  • In a Crooked Room :: Poem
  • Debt recovery should be done, but within law
  • Regionalism : New political flavour
  • Chali-Saba - Kang Ningol Palli #1: Gallery
  • Book Release: Exploring The Vanishing Self
  • The Echo After Forever :: Poem
  • The paradox of Kukiland
  • Dr Wairokpam Yaiphaba : Fulbright Fellowship
  • Essay, Painting & Speech Competitions
  • Manipur : Mixture of opposites
  • Naothingkhong & Pitanga #1: Hearthside Story
  • Meiteilon is still not a Tibeto-Burman language
  • 52nd Foundation Day of AMWJU : Gallery
  • The chokehold on Manipur's potential
  • Another Langban has com :: Poem
  • Ageing needs a gendered human rights
  • Mizoram's 2026 festival season opened
  • Inspect the SoO camps
  • 61st Hunger Marchers' Day #2 : Gallery
  • lEkoLdugi warisiH :: Seireng
  • Can Strong Anti-Racism Law save NE Indians
  • Before Building a Viksit Bharat, Learning
  • Quality planting for Pineapple & Banana
  • Seminar: Career Options in Life Sciences
  • Fitclass Gym Moti Nagar Opens
  • Burning hills of Manipur
  • Culturals @Beating of Retreat #4 : Gallery
  • Justice for 6 Liangmai Nagas #2 : Gallery
  • 17th World Bamboo Day 2026
  • 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly : Gallery
  • The 731, and those who may follow
  • Exploring The Vanishing Self #11
  • Little Flower School, 1973 batch : Gallery
  • Bichu Kharibam: FIH Magic Skill Award
  • Tour Diaries of Maxwell & Higgins #1
  • Ningol Phida - Shumang Leela #2 : Gallery
  • Study: Social Worker on Counselling Practice
  • India-Myanmar boundary : Mistakes of 1967
  • Radio E-pao: 5 new songs updated
  • Chiru Maroi : Scientific Documentation
  • Academic Administration Course @MU
  • To our star Tamo Vicky, Vikram Chongtham
  • Vice President visited Manipur : Gallery
  • Langban Tha Katchaba @Haying #1 : Gallery
  • Hiring @ 4-Star Hotel in Udupi
  • Ibudhou Pakhangba Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Protest by Researchers @DM Univ : Gallery
  • Meitei Esei
  • US Ambassador @ CM Mantripukhri : Gallery
  • Chongtham Vikram: Delhi Cannot Explain Away
  • A teacher does not leave when his classroom
  • 'Meeyamgi Khollao Khongchat' #1 : Gallery
  • Candle Light- Chongtham Vikram : Gallery
  • Manipuri Pony Heritage Talk to Students
  • Colonial records: Hill Areas, 1891-1947
  • Joint Resolution: Abrogation of SoO
  • Elimination of Racial Discrimination
  • Justice for 6 Liangmai Nagas #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Can Simply Be Manipur
  • PhD Admission at Assam University
  • Teachers' Day Celebration : Gallery
  • Census 2027 for Manipur deferred
  • Read Meitei Mayek news in romanized English
  • 24-hour Gen Strike (Sep 1) : Gallery
  • Panthoibi Anoi Khuthek #1 : Gallery
  • 48-hour General Strike by JFD #3 : Gallery
  • The flame of Haipou Jadonang
  • Kang Khichri Chaba #2 : Gallery
  • Relevance of NRC, 1951 for immigrants
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2026 #4: Gallery
  • The King Who Caught a Bird : Konthoupa
  • Meira Rally 'No NRC, No Census' : Gallery
  • 48-hour General Strike by JFD #2 : Gallery
  • 35th Manipuri Language Day, 20 August
  • The chappals we leave behind
  • Search 25 years of e-pao.net
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE India #23
  • 360° panoramic view of spots in Manipur
  • Final Merit List : Manipur Civil Services 2022
  • PUCL Tribunal report: A shadow of partiality #3
  • PUCL Tribunal report: A shadow of partiality #2
  • PUCL Tribunal report: A shadow of partiality #1