Imphal, October 11 2009: Under the stated objectives of preserving indigenous musical instruments and traditional lores documentary film based on the life of renowned folk artiste Guru Reuben Mashangva would be soon produced.

Titled 'songs of Mashangva' the documentary film is under production and likely to be completed in December, this year, said the film's director oinam Doren while interacting with newspersons at Manipur Press Club today where Guru Reuben was also present after his return from participating at the 'International Folk Festival' held recently at Jodhpur of Rajasthan.

Doren shared that the documentary focuses on Reuben's journey of life from his Ukhrul hometown to the artiste's performances at various places including the recent Jodhpur sojourn as well as his untiring commitment in the preservation of folk songs and traditional musical instrument.

The director also aired concern that apart from a few Tangkhul elders in Ukhrul district the younger generation are not aware of the rich Tankhul Naga folk music mostly centred on voices.

Pointing out that it would need herculean effort for the local artistes and musicians to either reach a competent level regarding western music (rock) or to success in the field, he expressed hope that the documentary film would be able to rekindle interest in the traditional art forms.

speaking to the newspersons, Reuben said while at the Jodhpur festival he met acclaimed music director AR Rahman and the latter expressed keen interest for a joint performance at an opportune moment.

While informing that he took part at International Folk Festival held from October 1 to 5, Reuben too aired serious concern at the decline in the popularity of folk music.

Asserting that he continues to be deeply absorbed on how to revive the traditional art form regardless of the challenges laying ahead, Reuben said there would be utmost effort so as to ensure the traditional art form lives on through his son, who from a tender age has been following Reuben at many shows.

the eight year old Saka Mashangva also performed at the Jodhpur festival as a percussionist and reportedly enthralled spectators as well as performers from across the globe.

Reuben was conferred with the Guru title by the North East Cultural Centre in recognition of his successful experiment with the indigenous string instrument which the popular Tangkhul figure had named 'Tingtilla'.

Apart from the Centre, which is under the Ministry of Art and Culture, conferring him with the Guru title, the 48 year old Reuben is considered a pioneer of Folk Blues.

Reuben reiterated that Saka would be trained and moulded to become his successor in the field of folk music, which the father had been dedicating for past 25 years.

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