Guwahati: Veteran Manipuri filmmaker, actor and music director Oken Amakcham passed away on Saturday following a prolonged illness. His death has been widely mourned, with Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh leading tributes to the celebrated filmmaker.
In a condolence message posted on X, the Chief Minister described Amakcham as one of the pioneers of Manipuri cinema whose creative contributions had enriched the state’s cultural landscape. He conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
Born on March 1, 1962, at Kongba Kshetri Leikai in Imphal East district, Amakcham developed an interest in theatre and the performing arts after graduating from Dhanamanjuri College in 1981. He underwent training under distinguished theatre personalities before obtaining a Visharad degree in music from Bhatkhande Sangeet Vidyapeeth, Lucknow.
His journey in cinema began as an actor with Sanakhya Ibotombi’s 1986 film Iche Sakhi. He later made his directorial debut with Khonthang (1992), which was selected for the Indian Panorama section at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in New Delhi in 1993 before being screened at several international film festivals.
Amakcham earned national recognition with Mayophygee Macha (1994), which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Manipuri at the 42nd National Film Awards. Written by M. K. Binodini Devi, the film is widely regarded as a milestone in Manipuri cinema.
In 2002, he directed Lammei, the first Manipuri video film to receive a commercial theatrical release, ushering in a new phase for the state’s digital film industry. His body of work also includes Cheina, Tellanga Mamei, Nungshithel, Aroiba Bidai and Thajabagee Wangmada.
Apart from directing films, Amakcham played an important role in promoting cinema and theatre in Manipur. He served as a jury member for the 58th National Film Awards, was Vice-Chairman of Film Forum Manipur, composed music for many of his films, and directed biographical documentaries on renowned theatre legends, including Heisnam Kanhailal and Ratan Thiyam.
Amakcham is survived by his wife, Jenita Amakcham, and other family members. His passing marks the end of a distinguished career that helped shape modern Manipuri cinema and inspired generations of filmmakers, actors and artists.