Multi-faceted Khundrakpam Joykumar passes away
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 03 2012: Renowned Manipuri singer, Khundrakpam Joykumar, popularly known as 'Khun Joyukumar' who gave soul to a number of lyrics, passed away early morning today at Catholic Medial Hospital.

He was 63 and single.

Joykumar had been undergoing treatment for a long time at Catholic Medical Hospital, Koirengei.

He breathed his last at around 4 am today.

Born in Kwakeithel Moirangpurel Leikai, Khun Joykumar, who left his mark not only in singing but also in film and theatre, passed his graduation from Gauhati University in 1974.He was also a great music composer and a film producer and served the general public for around 45 years.

He started his career as a music composer in the year 1972, when he worked as the Assistant Music Director of the first Manipuri feature film 'Matamgi Manipur'.

Later, in 1974, he again contributed musical scores in the film Lamja Pashuram, as not just as Assistant Music Director but also as a playback singer.

Joykumar was also the Assistant Music Director cum playback singer in the 1972-National Award winning film 'Shaphabi' as well as in the National and International Award winning film 'Imagi Ningthem' .

Under his initiative, a number of well-known films were produced.

These include the much acclaimed 'Sambal Wangma' and 'Paokhum Ama', 'Kombirei', Shilloi Petangna' and 'Keibul Lamjao National Park'.

He was awarded the Best Music Director Award for the film 'Imagi Ningthem and best actor award in the film 'Sambal Wangma' .

In the field of theatre too, Joykumar carved out a large space for himself.

He was awarded the best Music Director Award in the drama 'Eibu Kanagino' and 'Pukchel" in the All Manipur Drama Festival.

Some of his popular plays broadcast in AIR, Imphal include 'Ngabong Khao', 'Nirupama' and 'Sanskargi Meiri' .

Among his famous songs 'Nungsiba hooni', Heibok Chingshang mamingta Ngaire', 'Chaikhre Ngasi, 'Thawaigi mabema', 'Imagi mamou', 'Kumgi nongju', 'Ine, magi mapao purakpara' etc could be mentioned.

Meanwhile condolences have poured in over the sad demise of Joykumar.

In its condolence message, Manipur Film Development Corporation Ltd said that the Managing Director, Board Directors and staffs of the Corporation are shocked over the sudden demise of Joykumar and observed two minutes silence as mark of respect to the departed soul during a condolence meeting held at the office of the Corporation today.

All Manipur Matam Ishei Kanglup (AMMIK) and Manipuri Meitei Association Bangalore (MMAB) have also condoled the sudden demise of Khundrakpam Joykumar.

In a condolence message, the Association said, "We are deeply sadden to hear the loss of our celebrated singer, drama artist and celluloid film actor "Khun Joykumar" .

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