Guwahati: Prominent second-generation Manipuri filmmaker, Rajkumar Kripajit Singh, is no more.
He breathed his last on Monday (July 22) following a prolonged illness at his Thangmeiband Lilasingh Khongnangkhong in Manipur’s Imphal.
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Born on September 29, 1956, Singh was captivated by cinema and its storytelling power. He was someone who enjoyed the entire process of translating a story into a motion picture narrative.
When asked about his love for the cinema, Singh said, “I enjoyed the process of making films. The creative process of translating a story to a screen and the ultimate thrill one feels when the film is finally released is unforgettable.”
Inspired by the international success of ‘Imagi Ningthem’ in 1981, Singh in 1983, ventured to make his first feature film ‘Mathanggee Yeningtha.’
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Unfortunately, the production ran into rough weather and couldn’t be completed. However, Singh was not deterred.
He got back on his feet and completed ‘Ingallei’ in collaboration with Laimayum Surjakanta in 1990. ‘Ingallei’ signalled the emergence of the second-generation filmmakers of Manipur.
The first-generation Manipuri filmmakers are — SN Chand, Aribam Syam Sharma, Kongbrailatpam Ibohal Sharma, MA Singh and Sanakhya Ebotombi Haorokcham.
‘Ingallei’ brilliantly portrayed the rich Manipuri ethos and tradition with literary erudition. Singh consequently scripted and directed Thambal (1993), Eigi Punshi (1999), Lei-ee Ama (2000) and Laibak (2002).
Singh was a critically acclaimed theatre artiste before he was drawn by the magic of cinema through his association with SN Chand, the father of Manipur Cinema, in the early 1980s. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
The entire film fraternity of Manipur, including the Film Forum Manipur and Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), mourned the loss of the gritty filmmaker, whose contribution to the journey of Manipuri Cinema is significant, making him a pioneer in the field.