PHASHAL artistes honoured after multiple wins at folk arts & theatre festival
Source: The Sangai Express

Bishnupur, February 08 2026: A felicitation programme was organised to honour artistes of Phambak Shaktamlangba Leepun (PHASHAL) Keinou who recently bagged the "Best Play" title at the 12th Festival of FolkNarrative Arts & Kangla Theatre Marathon 2026 with their production of "U Thaba Angaoba" .

The felicitation programme was organised by Keinou Youth Club at Keinou Thongkha.

Notably, the 12th Festival of Folk Narrative Arts & Kangla Theatre Marathon 2026 ran from February 1 to 7 at the auditorium of Kanglei Living Arts (KANGLA), Uchiwa in Imphal West under the Cultural Functions & Production Grant Scheme of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

PHASHAL artistes honoured after multiple wins at folk arts & theatre festival

The event was graced by L Radhakishore, former MLA, Oinam AC; Y Surchandra Singh, former MLA, Kakching AC; renowned script writer Moirangthem Inao; Keinou Youth Club advisor S Deven Singh and secretary L Ranjan as presidium members.

Notably, "U Thaba Angoaba" also received the title of "Best Production" aside from a slew of accolades.

Asem Manglemba won Best Direction for "U Thaba Angaoba", while Moirangthem Inao bagged Best Script, Best Actress went to Khangembam Chanu Leimatombi, 2nd Best Actor - Asem Manglemba, 2nd Best Make Up - Takhellambam Sunitibala.

2nd Best Stage Setting - 12 Star Member and 3rd Best Child Actor - Laiphrakpam Monalisa.

In honour of their sweeping success, KYC presented simple gifts to the artistes.

Addressing the gathering, former MLA L Radhakishore said artforms such as "shumang kumhei, cinema, drama" play a crucial role in guiding a society towards the right/good path.

In view of such contributions, it is high time for the Government to start welfare measures to secure the future of artistes, he said.

Highlighting the role played by art and culture as an identifier for Manipur in the global stage, the former Oinam AC MLA assured to extend all possible help to the artistes of Phambak Shaktamlangba Leepun, Keinou to ensure their continued success.

Best Actress winner Khangembam Chanu Leimatombi spoke about the contribution of artistes in the development of a society and State.

"The hardships and happiness I encountered as an artiste till date cannot be put into words", she said.

Like the former Oinam AC MLA, Leimatombi also requested the Government to help secure artistes' future through upliftment measures in recognition of their service to the State and community.

Expressing gratitude to KYC for the felicitation programme, she said such events encourage artistes to perform better in the future.

Meanwhile, Asem Manglemba said the dedicated work of many artistes from Keinou has helped "U Thaba Angaoba" to achieve such success at the festival.