Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) has mourned the demise of renowned Manipuri artiste, Ningthoujam Nabachandra, popularly known as ‘Naba Volume’.

Ningthoujam Nabachandra passed away on Thursday to cardiac arrest in the Rabindranath Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences at Kolkatta.

Aged around 72, Naba Volume is survived by his two sons, three daughters and grandchildren.

While mourning the demise of the renowned Manipuri artiste, who left his indelible mark in the field of music, theatre and films, the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) termed his passing away as an “enormous loss for the art and film world of Manipur”.

His melodious rendition of the Manipuri Kawali, ‘Mitchanabathoklaba, eigimityangda kana leiringaoroidouba” as a playback singer and music composer for the Manipuri dubbed feature film, ‘Umangee Mee’ and his stint as the regional officer of the Central Board of Film Certification, Regional Office, under the Information & Broadcasting ministry at Guwahati are some of his significant contributions to Manipuri cinema.

MSFDS described Nabachand Ningthoujam as an important personality in the art and culture world of Manipur.

He went on to excel in the national arena by serving as the director of the Song & Drama Division, New Delhi under the Union Information & Broadcasting ministry.

“In his passing, Manipur has lost a passionate exponent of the arts,” said Manipur State Film Development Society in a statement.

“As a mark of respect, candles were lit at the memorial of Manipuri cinema.” the Society said in the statement issued by its secretary Sunzu Bachaspatimayum.