Won't be considered for Dada Saheb Phalke Award: Aribam Syam
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 29 2022: Eminent filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma, who had returned his Padmashri award a few years back, said that he will never be consid-ered/selected for Dada Saheb Phalke award.

Speaking at the 18th foundation day function of Film Forum Manipur held at MSFDS multipurpose auditorium, Palace Gate on Monday, Aribam Syam acknowledged that many of his well-wishers including those in the Film Forum Manipur consider him as a person deserving to get Dada Saheb Phalke award.

"However, I will not get the award as it takes influences from different sections to get such prestigious award.

Though filmmakers from Assam may stand a chance to get the award since they have many powerful people in the national capital, who will support them, it is not possible for anybody from Manipur, he said.

Recalling a sad incident in a national film award presentation function, Syam Sharma his film 'Isanou' could not win the national award of best film though the film was at the top in the category.

Manipuri language was not included in the 8th Schedule back then.

Taking advantage of the situation, they added a whole new category and awarded his film the Best Feature Film in Non-Scheduled Language.

Even if he is considered for Dada Saheb Phalke award, they will always find a reason including his act of returning Padmashri Award, he said.

Syam Sharma also hailed the efforts of Manipuri people, which has been successful in gaining its own space in the field of art and culture despite its small size.

This is a gift of the creativity hidden among the people of the state and any presentation from the state wins appreciation in global platform.

It is the rich art and culture as well as the creativity among the Manipuris that earned Manipuri Sankirtana a place in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.

Manipuri folk dance is known for its artistic and aesthetic values in the world, he elaborated.

Similarly, Manipuri films have been able to get attention of many.

In order to promote Manipuri films further, there is a need for joining hands and putting a collective effort with support from the state film policy.

Technology plays an important role in today's film production and the film industry in the state needs to adopt modern technology.

Those in the film fraternity should give up the sense of criticising one another in order to bring the much needed development in the field, he contended.

Langthabal MLA Karam Shyam, who attended the event as chief guest, said that films are part of education that create awareness among the public as they reflect the real life situation in a society.

Some may be on the opinion that Manipuri film industry is dying but to him it will rise with the dedicated efforts of those in this field, the MLA affirmed.

He also stated that artistes never work for profit but they are guided by their love for art.

It is their love for art that put the Manipuri film industry among the top regional film industries of the country, Shyam maintained.

While hailing the contribution of Film Forum Manipur, he assured possible assistance from his side in promoting the industry.

Film Forum Manipur president L Surjakanta was the functional president of the programme, which was also attended by forum advisor RK Nimai and renowned artiste Thoidingjam Tombi (national awardee).

Film producers and directors, who took major role in keeping alive the industry during the Covid-19 pandemic and other individuals in the film fraternity, who put their efforts to promote the'film industry, were honoured by presenting gifts on the occasion.

Award winning Canadian film 'War Witch' was also screened at the end of the event.

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