IMPHAL, August 19: The first male playback singer of Manipur, Aheibam Budhachandra Singh of Thangmeiband Hijam Dewan Leikai passed away this early morning at his residence surrounded by family members around 4:30 after a prolonged illness.

Aheibam Budhachandra Singh was 72 when he passed away.  He had survived a heart stroke on December 23, 1996 following which, his health had started to deteriorate.

Born on May 18, 1941 to Aheibam Manikchand Singh and A (o) Pishak Devi, the late Aheibam Budhachandra Singh was an approved singer of All India Radio and his singing career started with the film “Matam gi Manipur”.

He had been a student of Aribam Shyam Sharma and had also remained a tabla student of Loitongbam Manjor Singh and had been associated with Aryan Theatre and Roop Raag.

Throughout his career Aheibam Budhachandra Singh, had bagged numerous awards including the “25 years of Manipur cinema” certificate of honour organized by Manipur Film Development Corporation (MFDC) on 9 April 1996; “Gurudakshina”, awarded by Roop Raag on its 40th year Anniversary 1996-2000 Millennium on August 31, 2000; “Playback Singer of the Millennium” by Bright films Manipur 2000; “Toubimal Khangba Utchaba, 2005” by Apunba Manipur Matam Eshei Kanglup; “3rd Ningshing Mana Pijaba 2007” by S N Chand Ningshing Thouram; “Sangeet Bhushan Na Matam Eshei, 2008” by Manipur Sahitya Parishat; “Meidingu Bheigyachandra Award, certificate of honour, 2008” by Jananeta Hijam Irabot Memorial Trust; “Thoibi Award 2009” by the Cultural forum Manipur; and “Lifetime Achievement Award, 2011” by Nongmaithem Pahari Memorial Trust.

Mumbai, July 26: Subhashish Bhutiani's short film 'Kush' is the only Indian film to be selected at the upcoming Venice International Film Festival 2013.

The 20-minute film will be screened in the Orizzonti section of the festival which is dedicated to new trends in world cinema.

There are nine other films in this section.

"Kush" stars Sonika Chopra, Shayaan Sameer, Anil Sharma. Bhutiani made the film, inspired by a true story, for his graduation project at New York's School of Visual Arts.

The film's story takes place during the riots that followed the assassination of prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1984. The story revolves around a school picnic where a teacher is trying to protect Kush, the only Sikh child in the group from the violence raging around them.

"Kush" was named outstanding film, directing and editing at this year's Dusty Film and Animation Festival and Awards.

The 70th Venice international film festival will run from August 28 to September 7.

Mumbai, July 19: Rajesh Khanna, hailed as the original superstar of Indian cinema, died a year ago on this day at his Mumbai residence.

Born Jatin Khanna in Amritsar, he changed his name to Rajesh and made his debut with the 1966 film “Aakhri Khat.” But the film which changed his career and catapulted him to the top was 1969’s “Aradhana” where he starred opposite Sharmila Tagore.

Hit after hit followed, among them the cult Haathi Mere Saathi, Khamoshi, Kati Patang, Anand and Amar Prem. He won three Filmfare awards as well as the Lifetime Achievement, among other honours.

At the height of his fame, in 1973, he married 16- year-old Dimple Kapadia. They separated in 1984 but never formally divorced. They had two daughters Twinkle and Rinkie.

Rajesh Khanna was well past 40 when his star began to wane. He had spent over 20 years at the top of the filmy food chain.

Rajesh Khanna to be immortalised in statue on Bandstand

In a fitting tribute to Bollywood legend Rajesh Khanna on his first death anniversary, a statue will be installed at the Bandra bandstand alongside prominent personalities like Yash Chopra, Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor.

On July 18 last year, the 69-year-old actor passed away at his residence 'Aashirwaad' here after being critically ill.

Entertainment channel UTV Stars plans to unveil Khanna's statue at Bollywood's official landmark -'Walk of the Stars' at Bandra bandstand promenade - early next month to commemorate Khanna's inimitable style and charismatic smile.

The brass statue will immortalise one of his iconic poses. It will be unveiled by the actor's family members among well-known names from the industry.

Khanna, the first superstar of Indian cinema gave 15 consecutive solo hit films during his golden period from 1969-72, a record that remains unbroken till Wednesday.

Mumbai, July 13: Legendary actor Pran, loved and feared in equal measure by moviegoers for his roles in Bollywood hits like 'Milan', 'Madhumati' and 'Zanjeer', passed away at a suburban hospital in Mumbai on Friday evening at the age of 93.

"He died after a spell of prolonged illness," his daughter Pinky said.

The veteran actor, who played villain and character roles with elan and was conferred the country's highest cinema honour -- Dada Saheb Phalke award -- in April, was admitted to Lilavati hospital a month ago.

"He was not keeping well, he was very weak. His health was deteriorating," she said.

Pran acted in over 350 films and left his imprint as a villain with powerful roles in films like Kashmir ki Kali, Khandaan, Aurat, Bari Behen, Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai, Half Ticket, Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim and Don.

Born on February 12 in 1920 in old Delhi, Pran was educated at places like Kapurthala, Unnao, Meerut, Dehradun and Rampur as his father Lala Kewal Krishnan Sikand was in government service.

Initially, Pran wanted to become a photographer but destiny had different plans for him.

A chance meeting with a film producer got him his first break in Punjabi film 'Yamla Jat' in 1940.

There was no looking back for the actor after that as he went on to star in films like 'Chaudhary' (1941), 'Khandan' (1942), 'Kaise Kahun' (1945) and 'Badnami (1946).

After Partition, Pran came to Mumbai with his wife Shukla and sons Arvind and Sunil but found it difficult to get work as an actor in the city of dreams.

He had almost given hope when writer Saadat Hasan Manto helped him get a role in Dev Anand starrer 'Ziddi' in 1948 which revived his career.

Pran will be forever remembered for bringing villains on par with the heroes, ruling the industry from 1969 to 1982.

He commanded equal money and respect for his negative characters in 'Madhumati', 'Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai', 'Ram Aur Shyam' and 'Devdas'.

The actor's baritone and good looks helped him bring charm to his villainy which was very unique to Pran.

Such was the magic of his onscreen roles that parents stopped naming their children 'Pran' at the height of his fame.

His chameleon-like ability helped Pran transform himself from one of the most hated onscreen villains to one of the most beloved character actors -- be it the 'Mangal chacha' in 'Upkar', Sher Khan of opposite Amitabh Bachchan in 'Zanjeer' or the discipline-loving but soft-hearted grandfather in Gulzar's 'Parichay'.

Pran worked with Rishi Kapoor in films like 'Karz', 'Naseeb' and 'Bobby'.

Pran was an icon: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday night paid rich tributes to Bollywood veteran Pran, describing him as an "icon" who entertained several generations with his "riveting performances" in a myriad of roles in films.

In a condolence message, Dr Singh said Pran had "entertained several generations of Indians with his riveting performances in hundreds of celluloid roles. His versatility in etching a lasting impressions on cinema audience's mind improved with time, for which he was bestowed with the Dada Saheb Phalke Award."

He pointed out that Pran "had worked with doyens of film industry among which he was an icon".

"On this sad occasion, I convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and Pran's countless fans and admirers. I pray for peace of the departed soul," he added.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari condoled the death of the veteran actor saying, "Indian cinema has today lost an icon, an actor who set new standards of action with every role that he portrayed in the last several decades."

Tewari had presented the Dada Saheb Phalke award at Pran's residence here as the actor could not attend the ceremony in New Delhi due to ill-health.

BJP leader Sushma Swaraj said the country has lost an artiste par excellence.

Actor Prem Chopra, famous for his negative roles, described Pran as a source of great inspiration for all the generations for his discipline.

Filmmaker Karan Johar said Pran's demise marked the end of a magnificent and glorious era.

Earlier in 2001, Pran was honoured with the Padma Bhushan for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.

The funeral will be held on Saturday noon at Shivaji Park in Dadar.

Hong Kong, June 7: Hong Kong film star Jackie Chan became the first Chinese actor Thursday to have his hands and feet cast in wet cement at Hollywood's famed Chinese Theatre, alongside generations of Tinseltown icons.

Hong Kong film star Jackie Chan became the first Chinese actor Thursday to have his hands and feet cast in wet cement at Hollywood's famed Chinese Theatre, alongside generations of Tinseltown icons.

He was joined by American actor Chris Tucker, his co-star from the "Rush Hour" movies, in the ceremony in the courtyard of the TCL Chinese Theatre, as hundreds of fans screamed from across Hollywood Boulevard.

Chan, who has starred in over 100 films and directed 20, recalled first coming to the then Grauman's Chinese Theatre -- it changed name this year for sponsor Chinese company TCL -- two decades ago, invited by Sylvester Stallone.

"Twenty years, ago, 1993 ... I was not on the red carpet, (I was) on the side, and I saw there are so many stars doing interviews. I had nothing to do. I was standing there looking around to see the handprints.

"I thought to myself, when will I have my own things? During all those years my dream (grew)," he said, before thanking his co-stars, TCL, and -- to cheers from the crowd -- "the fans around the world, you make my dream come true."

The honor is considered more exclusive than that of being given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The courtyard of the TCL Chinese Theatre is paved with the hand- and foot prints of decades of Hollywood greats, from Humphrey Bogart and Bette Davis to Jane Fonda and Brad Pitt.

Chan said that, as well as being the first Chinese actor honored, he was actually the first to have his handprints done twice. "Twelve years ago I did the handprint, but somebody stole it," he said.

Kolkata, May 30: Noted filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh died on Thursday due to cardiac arrest at his south Kolkata residence. He was 49.

Winner of 12 national and some international awards, Ghosh was suffering from pancreatitis and died of heart attack at 7.30 am, his family said.

Ghosh shot to fame by his direction of a children's film 'Hirer Angti' in 1994. His film 'Unishe April' won national award winner in 1995.

His other widely acclaimed films include 'Dahan', 'Asukh', 'Chokher Bali', 'Raincoat', 'Bariwali', 'Antarmahal' and 'Noukadubi'.

Information & Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari expressed his sadness over the untimely demise.

"Tragic to lose a creative person- RituParno Ghosh That too when he still had lot to contribute. My profound condolences," Tewari said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled death of renowned film-maker Rituparno Ghosh, saying it was a very sad day for Bengal.

"We are stunned. In his sudden demise, Bengal has lost an eminent filmmaker. It is a very sad day for us," Banerjee, who visited Ghosh's residence, said.

To enable people to pay their last respect to the director, his body would be kept at Nandan film complex from 3.30 PM to 6 PM, she said. Thereafter, the body would be taken to the Tollygunj Technician studio before cremation, the chief minister said.

State industry minister Partho Chattopadhyay said Ghosh was a great genius and the gap left after his death would not be easy to fill up

Education minister and theatre personality Bratya Basu said he was rendered "speechless" by the news and the loss was a personal one.

Basu said he was a pioneer not only as a director and actor, but also in his contribution to society, noting that with his films like 'Heerer Angti' and 'Unishe April' he had created a new genre of films in Bengal.

As an actor, his path-breaking role of a transgender in 'Chitrangada' portrayed the plight of a section of people which had remained neglected by society.

Same sex relations, a taboo in Bengali society although accepted in the West, was for the first time revealed through his life and work and invested with a rare dignity for the first time in Bengali society, the minister said.

As news of his death spread, a pall of gloom descended on Tollywood.

Raima Sen, grand daughter of legendary Suchitra Sen, said she was indebted to "Rituda" to give the turning point in her career.

"Rituda gave the turning point to my career in the film 'Chokher Bali'. He was more than a director to me; he was almost a part of our family. He was a unmeasurable genius," she said.

Fellow national award winning director Kaushik Ganguly said he was left shattered by the news.

Thespian Soumitra Chatterjee deeply mourned Ghosh's death, saying, "I cannot believe that Rituparna is no more. It is very difficult to accept this news. We lost a very promising film director at a very early age."

Many film actors and actresses thronged his residence to pay their last respects.

New Delhi, May 22: The Information & Broadcasting Secretary Uday Kumar Varma has hailed the unique cinematic approach of Indian Cinema and its global acceptance.

Highlighting the initiatives taken to make India an attractive filming destination, Secretary of I&B Ministry Uday Kumar Varma said at a discussion organised in Cannes that the Ministry was setting up a 'Single Window Clearance' mechanism for foreign production houses interested in shooting films in India.

He also mentioned that a special committee had also been set up by the Ministry to review the mandate and functioning of CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) so as to enable it to deal with contemporary requirements of certification.

He also added that in order to enable young independent filmmakers to showcase their work, the Ministry was intending to create special screening facilities.

The India Pavilion at Cannes is hosting a number of key events like celebrating significant projects, which were a part of Film Bazaar 2011, 'The LunchBox' and 'Monsoon Shootout'.

Panel discussions on contemporary topics related to Indian Cinema are also being held.

The participants in these sessions included Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap, Dibakar Banerjee, Zoya Akhtar, Ritesh Batra and Amit Kumar.

This year, the Cannes Film Festival is celebrating the centenary of Indian Cinema where India has been accorded the status of 'Special Guest Country'.

IMPHAL, May 22: Renowned for her voice and referred to as the Nightingale of the North East by many, Manipuri singer Laishram Mema had to face several opposition when she started out as a singer. Born a year after India got her independence from the British, on December 22, 1948, Laishram Mema Devi started her musical career at the young age of six alongwith her elder sister Asem Bimla Devi.

She joined the Bhatkhande Sangjit Vidyapith, Lucknow in 1960 and passed the Nritya Visharad (Kathak) in first class, second in 1966.

She is at present a Sugam Sangit artiste and a B High grade in classical vocal.

Laishram Mema was born to (L) Asem Brajabidhu Singh at Yaiskul Hiruhanba Leikai, Imphal.

Soon after her marriage to Laishram Bidyapati Singh of Hailakandi Assam in 1968, she moved to Assam.

Her husband’s family was quite supportive of her choice of profession in the early period of their marriage, but later turned against her singing after their neighbours started to taunt them.

However, she did not lose faith in her singing and continued to stealthily practice singing at night after all the household chores were completed.

Her husband who was supportive of her singing the whole time decided to take her back to Manipur so that she could continue her career in singing.

She returned to Imphal alongwith her husband in 1973 and started living on rent at Palace compound.

Some years after her return to the state she opened her first institute called the Cultural Training Institute at Babupara.

She shifted to Mumbai then Bombay in 1995 and has been living there till date.

Speaking to a group of media persons today at her parental home at Yaiskul Hiruhanba, the singer said even though she cannot sing Manipuri songs regularly, she tries singing Manipuri classical songs at most concerts that she attends.
On the ban on the hindi songs and films in the state, the renowned singer said the ban has helped in promoting the local language, however it has negatively affected the singers of the state when they come out of the state for performing.

British Colombia, May 18: An ancient extinct creature with scissor-like claws, newly-discovered in fossil records, has been named after movie star Johnny Depp.

The 505-million-year-old fossil called Kooteninchela deppi is a distant ancestor of lobsters and scorpions.

Kooteninchela deppi lived in very shallow seas, similar to modern coastal environments, off the cost of British Columbia in Canada, which was situated much closer to the equator 500 million years ago.

The creature was named after the actor Johnny Depp for his starring role as Edward Scissorhands - a movie about an artificial man named Edward, an unfinished creation, who has scissors for hands.

The researcher believes that Kooteninchela deppi would have been a hunter or scavenger.

Its large Edward Scissorhands-like claws with their elongated spines may have been used to capture prey, or they could have helped it to probe the sea floor looking for sea creatures hiding in sediment.

Kooteninchela deppi was approximately four centimetres long with an elongated trunk for a body and millipede-like legs, which it used to scuttle along the sea floor with the occasional short swim.

It also had large eyes composed of many lenses like the compound eyes of a fly. They were positioned on top of movable stalks called peduncles to help it more easily search for food and look out for predators.

The researcher discovered that Kooteninchela deppi belongs to a group known as the 'great-appendage' arthropods, or megacheirans, which refers to the enlarged pincer-like frontal claws that they share.

The 'great-appendage' arthropods are an early relation of arthropods, which includes spiders, scorpions, centipedes, millipedes, insects and crabs. The research was published in the Journal of Palaeontology.

New Delhi, May 11: Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari handed over the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honour in Indian cinema, to legendary Bollywood actor Pran at his residence in Mumbai on Friday.

Pran, 93, could not make it to the 60th National Film Awards ceremony held in New Delhi last week for health reasons.

It is probably for the first time that an artiste was given the Phalke award at his home. The brief ceremony was telecast live.
"It's a great honour to present the honour to Pran saab. His contribution to the Indian cinema has been huge and the greatness of the award gets bigger after honouring Pran with Dadasaheb Phalke," Tewari told reporters at Pran's residence.

Pran is known for acting in over 400 movies in a career spanning over six decades and played a vast range of roles - from a hero to a villain to a character artist.

Starting as hero, Pran's popularity rose after he played ruthless villains in hits like "Madhumati", "Ziddi" and "Ram Aur Shyam". The success of the films made him a symbol of villainy in Hindi filmdom.

But he was not only good at portraying evil characters on the screen. He wowed his fans and touched their heartstrings when he stepped into character roles as loveable Malang Chacha in "Upkar".

Later, he thoroughly entertained as street-smart fraud in "Victoria No.203", epitomised on-screen friendship as Pathan in "Zanjeer" and not to forget his role of a grieving father who struggles to establish a rapport with his dead son's children in "Parichay".

Apart from Pran's family members, well-known filmmaker Karan Johar's mother Hiroo Johar was present at his residence for the ceremony. TV and film actor Vishal Malhotra was also seen there.

In his address, the President also complimented the Dada Saheb Phalke winner Sh. Pran for his contribution to Indian Cinema.

Also speaking on the occasion, Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Manish Tewari, said the 60th National Film Awards had seen the inclusion of many new categories which had made the awards inclusive and had thereby encouraged quality cinema.

The presence of films with innovative themes at the 60th NFA had proved that the Indian film industry was playing a proactive role in articulating issues and prejudices that had been historically embedded in our society.

Indian Cinema, Shri Tewari said, had been the mirror of our milieu and had an incisive influence on the evaluation of our society.

Internationally Indian Cinema had evolved to cater to the taste of International audiences.
The Indian Film Industry through its journey had been able to institutionalise and project India’s soft power externally.

As a tribute to Indian film making, the Minister announced that the Government was instituting a "Centenary Award" that would be given every year starting this year, recognising a paradigm transformation in film making and honouring individuals or films that had profoundly influenced contemporary, socio cultural evolution.

Shri Tewari also stated that in order to encourage parallel cinema, the Government was planning an image makeover for Mahadev Auditorium with a view to make it the "Hub of Alternative Cinema".

In this context, the Minister said the Auditorium which was being used for screenings only on special occasions would be modelled along the lines of Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai to not just screen documentaries, small budget films but also provide a forum for film makers and connoisseurs to discuss the film making.
Regarding the initiative of the ministry of taking a fresh look of the Cinematographic Act, Shri Tewari said the Committee constituted under Justice Mudgal would aim to find a golden mean between creative essence and aesthetic sensitivity.

While complimenting all the recipients on the various awards, the Minister specially congratulated Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner, Shri Pran for his contribution to Indian Cinema.

The highlight of the evening was the release of postal stamps of 50 iconic personalities of Indian Cinema by the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee to commemorate the century long journey of Indian cinema.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for IT & Communications Sh.Kapil Sibal said, Department of Posts had given a fitting tribute to the powerful medium called Cinema by issuing 50 new stamps, a biggest release ever.

The film personalities depicted in stamps released by the President include Ashok Kumar, Bhalji Pendharkar, Durga Khote, Dev Annad, Yash Chopra, Smita Patil, Rajesh Khanna, Shammi Kapoor, Suraiya, Geeta Dutt, Sohrab Modi, Tapan Sinha, C.V. Sridhar, Bhanumathi etc.

At the 60th NFA, the award for the best feature film was conferred on Paan Singh Tomar (Hindi) produced by UTV Software communications Ltd. and directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia .

In non-feature film category, the award for the Best Film was conferred to Shepherds of Paradise (Gojri & Urdu) produced and directed by Raja Shabir Khan.

In the category of Best Writing on Cinema section, the book Silent Cinema in India – A Pictorial Journey (English) written by B.D. Garga and published by Harper Collins Publisher India bagged the top honour, whereas Shri P.S. Radhakrishnan was conferred the award for the Best film Critic.

In the Feature Film category, a total of 38 films from 14 languages were selected for the 60th National Awards.

Chittagong (Hindi) and 101 Chodiyangal(Malayalam) shared the Indira Gandhi award for the Best Debut Film of a Director.

The award for the Best Popular Film for providing wholesome entertainment was shared by Vicky Donor (Hindi) and Ustad Hotel (Malayalam).

The award for the Best Director was given to Shri Shivaji Lotan Patil for the film Dhag (Marathi).
The award for the Best Actor was jointly shared between Shri Irrfaan playing the title role in Paan Singh Tomar and Shri Vikram Gokhale for the film Anumati (Marathi).

The award for the Best Actress was conferred on Ms Usha Jadhav for her performance in Dhag (Marathi). The award for the best Supporting Actor was conferred on Shri Anu Kapurfor the film Vicky Donor.

The award for the best supporting Actress has been shared by Ms Dolly Ahluwalia for the film Vicky Donor and Ms Kalpana for the film ThanichallaNjan (Malyalam).

The Best Child Artist award has been shared by Master Virendra Pratap for Dekh Indian Circus (Hindi) and Master Minon for 101 Chodiyangal (Malayalam).

The award for the Best Male playback singer has been conferred on Shri Shankar Mahadevan for the song Bolo Na from the film Chittagong.

The award for the Best Female Playback singer has been conferred on Ms Aarti Ankalikar-Tikekar for the song Palakein Naa Moon Don from the film Samhita (Marathi).

The award for the best Screen play writer (original) has been conferred on Shri Sujoy Ghosh for the film Kahaani.

The award for best Screen play writer (adapted) has been conferred on Shri BhaveshMandalia and Shri Umesh Shukla for the film Oh My God.
Timbaktu (English) has been awarded as the Best film in the Environmental category and Dreaming Taj Mahal ( Hindi & Urdu) has been conferred the award for the Best Promotional film.

New Delhi, April 30: The Film Festival organized by I&B Ministry, to celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema, concluded today with a play on the life and times of Dada Saheb Phalke.

The play is by Aamir Raza Hussain.

The day also marks the 143rd birth anniversary celebration of the father of Indian Cinema, Phalke.

The six day long centenary film festival which was held in Siri Fort in New Delhi from 25th April.

Starting with his debut film, Raja Harishchandra in 1913, now known as India's first full-length feature, Phalke made 95 movies and 26 short films in his career spanning 19 years, till 1937, including his most noted works such as Mohini Bhasmasur (1913), Satyavan Savitri (1914), Lanka Dahan (1917), Shri Krishna Janma (1918) and Kaliya Mardan (1919).

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, for lifetime contribution to cinema, was instituted in his honor by the Government of India in 1969.

The award one of the most prestigious awards in Indian cinema and is the highest official recognition for film personalities in the country.

For this year, the prestigious award will be given to Pran Krishan Sikand, popularly known as, Pran.

IMPHAL, April 12: Ayekpam Inakhunba who played the role of Devdas was conferred with the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Award 2013 on the occasion of Shumang Leela Day  organized by the Manipur State Shumang Leela Council (MSSLC) at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound here today. The said award consists of a citation and an amount of Rs 10,000.

Speaking at the occasion Gaikhangam, Deputy Chief Minister said the role played by shumang leela in the society is very effective and has large impact. The contribution of shumang leela artistes is required for a better and healthy society, he said.

"Shumang leela is a wonderful art form and has a unique speciality. When this art form is nurtured a new, progressive and healthy society will follow," he added and donated Rs 50,000 to MSSLC expressing his desire for the development of shumang leela.

The occasion was presided over by K Ranjit Singh, MLA Sugnu A/C and Advisor MSSLC; and attended by Dr M Nara, Ex Minister and Advisor MSSLC as Guest of honour.

During the occasion, Dr M Nara said a cultural policy of Manipur was approved by him during his tenure as a Minister of Arts and Culture which is still awaiting approval of the cabinet.

Many other states borrowed the concept from us and adopted the cultural policy. The government is appealed to announce it sooner, he continued.

Giving the presidential address at the occasion K Ranjit Singh said shumang leela conveys a large message to the people and hold a big responsibility in bringing a change to the society. An appointment with the Chief Minister will be sought to discuss about the cultural policy, he assured.

He expressed his belief that an annual budget for shumang leela would be  set aside and donated Rs 20,000 to MSSLC for the welfare of shumang leela.

Earlier during the day, as a part of the observance of Shumang Leela Day, an academic session of shumang leela was conducted which was attended by H Dilip Singh, IAS, Director Education (S); Ibotombi Haorokcham, Theatre Scholar; and P Dhanakumar Singh, IPS, Chairman Board of Secondary Education Manipur as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

During the session, Narendra Ningomba, Advisor MSSLC said it will be worthwhile  if shumang leela is included in the syllabus.

“I would like to support the proposal of MSSLC to include shumang leela in the syllabus which will benefit the future generation and the society”, he said.

At the occasion, P Dhanakumar said that if shumang leela is not included in the syllabus it will go extinct. I will look into the matter and think of including shumang leela as a chapter in Social Science subject.

H Dilip Singh said lots of interaction will be required to include shumang leela in the syllabus. To give it an academic orientation many experts will be required, he added.

New Delhi, April 12:  Pran Krishan Sikand, popularly known as Pran, the veteran film actor, has been conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2012. He is the 44th Dada Saheb Phalke Award Winner.

The award is conferred by the Government of India for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema. The award consists of a Swarn Kamal, a cash prize of Rs.10 lakhs and a shawl. The award is given on the basis of recommendations of a Committee of eminent persons.

Pran has given sterling performances in many films along with Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor in 1950s and 60s. Pran’s performanceshave received acclaim in films like Azaad, Madhumati, Devdas, Dil Diya Dard Liya, Ram Aur Shyam and Aadmi, Ziddi, Munimji, Amar Deep, Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai, Aah, Chori Chori, Jagte Raho, Chhalia, Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai. The list is long.

Born in the year 1920 in Delhi, Shri Pran started his career way back in 1940. He first ventured into photography but a chance meeting with a film producer got him his first role in a film called Yamla Jat. Shri Pran acted in several films, his base being Lahore in undivided India. His career experienced a brief pause due to partition in 1947. Subsequently he moved to Bombay. With the help of the famous writer Saadat Hasan Manto and actor Shyam, Pran got a break in the Bombay Talkies film Ziddi which had Dev Anand in the lead role. The film Ziddi brought him to limelight in the Bombay film industry and then there was no turning back.

His impressive performances have bestowed an entirely unique new dimension to the negative and character roles in Hindi cinema. His contribution to mainstream Hindi cinema is well recognized, assuring him the place of one of the most illustrious and celebrated actors of Indian film industry. His career spanned several decades. He has acted in over 400 films and in each one of them, he brought new mannerism and style, holding the audience spell bound by his acting.

Pran is a recipient of a number of film awards including the Filmfare Award. He was also honoured with the Padma Bhushan.

New Delhi, April 10: To mark the centenary year of Indian cinema, the 24th edition of Limca Book of Records has honoured cine stars - Shabana Azmi, Jahnu Barua, Prabhu Deva, Mike Pandey, Ranbir Kapoor among others, with the 'People of the Year' award.

The Limca Book of Records 2013 was launched in New Delhi by Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari, along with Atul Singh, President and CEO Coco Cola India and South West Asia and Vijaya Ghose, Editor, Limca Book of Records.

The award ceremony also paid a special tribute to 25 late screen legends of Indian cinema including Dev Anand, Jaspal Bhatti, Yash Chopra, Shammi Kumar and others.

Shabana, one of the awardees who was felicitated at this ceremony, said such awards encourage her to put her best foot forward. "Indian cinema completing 100 years is a landmark and I am a small part of it. I am happy that this time the record is celebrating the achievement and thankful to them for giving me this honour," said Shabana, a five-time National Award winner.

Leading film editor Sreekar Prasad, who has edited over 200 films in 12 languages, said, "I would like to dedicate this award to all those editors of Indian cinema whose work goes unnoticed. They contribute a lot."

Choreographer-actor-director Prabhu Deva did a brief performance on his hit number from the 1990s, 'Muqabla', before accepting his award.

National award winner Assamese filmmaker Barua said cinema is not just a source of entertainment and business but also a mission to safeguard humanity.

Iconic documentary filmmaker Mike Pandey, a three-time winner of Green Oscar award, stressed on the need of channels showing short films.

"I am deeply humbled that documentaries have found a platform but I feel that there should be channels to telecast them. Documentaries carry important information. They are also an agent of change," he said.

The event came to an end with an entertaining skit by dynamic duo Mahmood Farooqui and Danish Hussain celebrating Indian cinema.

First published in 1990, Limca Book Of Records aims to felicitate people ranging from agriculture, literature, education to music, communication, sports and medical science among others.

IMPHAL, April 4: Popular artist Tapta is set for a North East India Musical Tour to spread love peace and togetherness. This was announced by by Nelson Elangbam, Managing Director of the North East Brother Entertainment Pvt Limited  during a press meet at the Manipur Press Club today.

The tour with the theme of “Reaching the Brotherhood once lost” will start on April 8, 2013 at 10 am from Kangla and will be flagged off by M Prithiviraj, Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism and YAS.

The 20 member team will travel to several destinations in the North East and send out a message of love, peace and togetherness.

The team will be leaving Manipur on April 8 and Tapta North East tour will start from Wapokpi on April 10th; Karaikandi on April 11th; Aizawl on April 13th; Shillong April 14th and will conclude on April 19th at BOAT in Imphal.

IMPHAL, March 19: Higai-wa waved Bangaloreans towards national integration at the Manipur and North East Mega Dance Festival at Bangalore. Higai-wa, a dance ballet based on national integration is choreographed by Angabala Irengbam, a renowned Manipuri Dance Director and Choreographer. ‘Higai-wa’ which literally means ‘false instigation’ is scripted by Bijenti Irengbam with Robert Irom as the music composer. Manipuri Ras Lila, Lai Haraoba Dance, Pung Cholom, Stick Dance, Fire Dance and Bihu Dance of Assam were the other main attractions of the festival.

The two days festival was organized by Kajeng Lei, Centre for Manipuri Art & Culture, Bangalore at the Samsha Open Air Theatre, Ravindra Kalakshetra, Bangalore. Kajeng Lei is a cultural organization for Manipuri Classical, Folk and Martial Arts founded by Angabala Irengbam in 2010. The festival was held with the objective of mutual interaction, cultural exchange and establishing friendship ties between the North East and Karanataka. 51 Artists from Manipur, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Karnataka participated in the festival.

The inaugural function of the festival held on 16th March, 2013 was attended by Shri Basavaraju( IAS) Secretary (Art & Culture), Karnataka, Shri  Lalrukhuma Pachau (IPS) DGP Karnataka, Shri Yambem Laba, President, Kajeng Lei and many other cultural lovers.

New Delhi, March 18: 'Paan Singh Tomar', Tigmanshu Dhulia's biopic on the athlete-turned-dacoit, was named the best picture at the 60th National Film Awards while its male star Irrfan Khan shared the best actor trophy with veteran Marathi actor Vikram Gokhale.

Irrfan was chosen for his intense portrayal of the steeplechase player Paan Singh Tomar.

A seven-time national champion in the '50s and '60s, Tomar, who served in the Indian army, turned a bandit after a land fued in his family. He was killed in 1981.

Gokhale, who has acted in many Hindi films as well, was honoured for his poignant depiction of a man struggling to save his dying wife in Marathi film 'Anumati'.

Usha Jadhav was adjudged the best actress portrayal of a rustic housewife in Marathi film 'Dhag' while its filmmaker Shivaji Lotan Patil was declared the best director.

The film depicts the struggle of a family, who take care of their village crematorium.

A beaming Irrfan, 46, dedicated his award to the athlete and his family. "I am happy that Paan Singh Tomar, who was unknown, became a household name through this film. I share this award with his family. I hope that the film helps people realise that talent should not go to waste," Irrfan said on Monday.

Bollywood shared the spotlight with Malayalam and Marathi films with the jury recognising wide variety of movies from different regional cinema industries.

Though not in the main categories, Malayalam films bagged 13 awards to emerge at the top.

Headed by veteran filmmaker Basu Chatterjee, the 11-member feature films jury announced the awards in New Delhi on Monday.

The National Film Awards along with Dada Saheb Phalke honour, to be declared later, are likely to be given by President Pranab Mukherjee on 3rd May, officials said.

Bedabrata Pain's much-lauded debut 'Chittagong', about Chittagong uprising, shared Indira Gandhi award for best debut film with Siddhartha Siva's Malayalam film '101 Chodiyangal'.

Hindi film 'Vicky Donor', John Abraham produced film on sperm donation, was named for three trophies.

The Shoojit Sircar directed film was a joint winner with Anwar Rasheed directed Malayalam film 'Ustad Hotel' for the best popular film providing wholesome entertainment honour.

'Vicky Donor' actors Annu Kapoor and Dolly Ahluwalia were best supporting actor and actress.

Ahluwalia won the award along with Kalpana for Malayalam film 'Thanichalla Njan'.

Director Sujoy Ghosh was declared the best original screenplay writer for his Vidya Balan starrer 'Kahaani' while another Hindi film 'Oh My God', produced by superstar Akshay Kumar, won the best adapted screenplay for Bhavesh Mandalia and Umesh Shukhla.

'Ustad Hotel' was recognised for best dialogue for Anjali Menon. 'Kahaani', about a pregnant woman's quest for her missing husband in Kolkata, won Namrata Rao the best editing honour.

'Bolo Na' from 'Chittagong' won the best lyrics for Prasoon Joshi and best male playback singer for Shankar Mahadevan.

Aarti Anklekar Tikekar was named the best female playback singer for 'Palakein Naa Moondoon' from Marathi film 'Samhita'.

Thanichalla Njan', apart from its supporting actress win, was also named in the Nargis Dutt award for best feature film on national integration category.

Malayalam film 'Spirit', which deals with the topic of alcoholism, was named as the best film on social issues.

Another Malayalam film 'Black Forest' was declared the best film on environment conservation/preservation.

Hindi film 'Dekh Indian Circus' was best children's film and its lead Virendra Pratap shared the best child actor honour with '101 Chodiyangal'.

Nikhil Advani directed 'Delhi Safari' was named the best animation film.

Kamal Haasan's 'Vishawaroopam' won best production design and best choreography for Pandit Birju Maharaj.

Poornima Ramaswamy was named best costume designer for Tamil film 'Paradesi' while Raja won the best make-up artist award for Tamil movie 'Vazakkuenn 18/9'.

Bollywood dominated in the special jury award with Aamir Khan starrer 'Talaash', 'Gangs of Wasseypur', 'Kahaani' and Dekh Indian Circus' being named in the category with Bengali film 'Chitrangada'.

Best cinematography honour went to 'Ko:YAD', a film in Mising language.

Best audiography award was shared by Malayalam film 'Annayum Rassoolum', 'Shabdo' and 'Gangs of Wasseypur'.

Malayalam film 'Kaliyachan' and Marathi film 'Samhita' shared the best music direction award.

Telugu film 'Eega' was named in the best special effects category.

'Baandhon', by Jahnu Baruah, was named the best Assamese film
Kaushik Ganguly's 'Shabdo' best Bengali film
'The Good Road', by Gyan Arora, best Gujarati film
'Filmistan', by Nitin Kakkar, best Hindi film
P Sheshadri's 'Bharath Stores' best Kannada film
Kamal's 'Celluiod' best Malayalam film
'Leipaklei' was named best Manipuri film.


The others in this category were:

'Investment (Marathi)
'Nabar' (Punjabi)
'Vazakkuenn 18/9' (Tamil)
'Eega (Telugu)
'Harud' (Urdu)
'Lessons in Forgetting (English)
'Ko:Yad' (Mising).

Special mention was given to actor Lal for Malayalam film 'Ozhimuri', H G Dhattatreya for Kannada film 'Bharat Stores', Parineeti Chopra for 'Ishaqzaade', Bishnu Kharghoria for Assamese film 'Baandhon', Tannishta Chatterjee for Hindi film 'Dekh Indian Circus', Hansraj Jagtap for Marathi film 'Dhag' and late actor Thilakan for Malayalam film 'Ustad Hotel'.

'Silent Cinema In India-A Pictorial Journey' in English by B D Garga was named the best book on cinema while best film critic award went to Malayalam writer P S Radhakrishnan while Piyush Roy won a special mention.

IMPHAL, March 10: Renowned Manipuri Filmmaker and National awardee, Maibam Amuthoi Singh, popularly known as MA Singh, is no more. He passed away at BM Birla Heart Institute, Kolkata at 8:30 pm on 9th March 2013 where he was undergoing treatment after he was diagnosed with Deep Venous Thrombosis on his left leg.

Late MA Singh is the first Manipuri to be technically trained in film craft at the prestigious National Film and Television Institute of India, the FTII, Pune where went on to earn the distinction of being a double graduate of FTII. After completing his diploma in film-editing in 1971, he continued pursuing film studies and completed the diploma in Direction in 1974.

MA Singh's path breaking Manipuri feature film ‘Sana Keithel’ went on to bag the prestigious National Film Award with the President’s Medal in the 31st National Film Festival in 1984 as the Best feature film in Manipuri.

Edited and directed by him, Sana Keithel followed the neo realistic tradition of the new wave era with MA Singh daring to shoot the entire film with non-actors placed in real settings, a formula that produced the everlasting enigma of Sana Keithel.

Over and above the numerous documentary films he made, he also directed and edited the first Manipuri Colour feature film, Langlen-Thadoi produced by KP, Films, Imphal in 1977.

Besides his filmmaking activities, he served in various capacities and was a Jury member for the Script Board for NFDC for three consecutive years. He was an approved producer and director of Prasar Broadcasting Corporation of India, he was an empanelled producer of Doordarshan Imphal Kendra and Programme Production Centre, North East. He served as visiting lecturer of media study centres of different Institutes and also ran a full-fledged media course, entitled ‘Media & Media Personalities’ that produced new talents in the field of News-reading, Public Announcement, public speaking, Interviewing and Acting technology and filmmaking. During 1975 to 76, he associated with Publicity Department of Government of Manipur and compiled and edited 9 newsreels on news events in Manipur.

Believing that a film culture is necessary of the development of Manipuri films, Shri MA Singh played catalytic role in forming and running Cine Club Imphal and the Manipur Film Council which later became the Manipur Film Development Corporation.

Born on 18th October 1941, MA Singh, a resident of Kwakeithel Akham Leikai, Imphal is survived by his wife, four sons and a daughter.