Diya Khwairakpam | |
|---|---|
| Born | Khwairakpam Diya 20 November 1967 Yumnam Leikai, Imphal West, Manipur |
| Died | 29 January 2025 (aged 57) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | Graduation, Thoubal College |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, director, producer |
| Spouse | Thokchom Anjali Devi |
| Children | 3 |
| Parent(s) | Khwairakpam Momon Khwairakpam Ongbi Bormani |
| Awards | Best Actor (1999), Best Supporting Actor - Male (2023) |
Diya Khwairakpam, also known as Keiphah, was an Indian actor, director and producer from Manipur. [1] He was known for his work in Manipuri celluloid and digital films. Recognized for his versatility and popularity, he was a prominent leading actor of Manipuri cinema. [2] He had also contributed significantly to Manipuri theatre and film production. Some famous films where he directed include Mathang Mapokta, Mamoudo Hingchabido Manemdo, Sakthibee Tampha, Thokkidagi Kishi and Echasa Epa Lamboirage. [3]
Diya Khwairakpam was born in Yumnam Leikai, Imphal West, Manipur, as the youngest of nine siblings (four sons and five daughters). His parents were Khwairakpam Momon and Khwairakpam Ongbi Bormani. He grew up in a culturally rich environment, surrounded by theatre and performance. His father was a senior drama artist and director at Rupmahal Theatre, and his great-grandfather, Nabakishore, was among the pioneers who introduced drama to Manipur. [4]
Khwairakpam began his education at Yumjao Lairembi LP School. He later attended CC Higher Secondary School and Johnstone Higher Secondary School, where he completed his Class X and XII education, respectively. He pursued undergraduate studies at DM College, Imphal, before completing his graduation from Thoubal College. [5]
Khwairakpam was married to Thokchom Anjali Devi from Thangmeiband. The couple met during a film shoot and later got married. They have three children: two daughters and one son. [6]
Khwairakpam began acting at an early age when he joined Panthoibi Natya Mandir, a prominent theatre group in Yumnam Leikai, while studying in Class III. As a child artist, he performed in plays across various Indian cities, including Karnataka, Mumbai, Delhi, Patna and Allahabad. Some of the plays where he acted include Chekhairabi Malem, Lai Khutshangbi, Ningolgi Tengthakhol, Roshni, Purakle Paojel, Murti and Dharmagi Kshetra. His performances helped Panthoibi Natya Mandir earn several accolades at state and national levels. [7]
Khwairakpam was introduced to cinema through his mentors, including Hijam Shyamdhani (his first theatre teacher), Khaidem Bihari, Yumnam Rajendra and Oja Manaobi of MDU. With their support, Khwairakpam met Gurumayum Narayan Sharma, a filmmaker who produced and directed movies under the banner of N.S. Films. He made his feature film debut in Kombeerei (1989), produced and directed by Gurumayum Narayan Sharma. He went on to play lead roles in 18 Manipuri celluloid films — more than any other actor of his time. Due to public demand, many of his films were screened in Manipuri cinema halls for extended periods. As a token of appreciation, the proprietor of Shankar Talkies, Lamphel once awarded him ₹5,000 and a citation. [8]
Khwairakpam had directed more than 30 Manipuri digital films. His first directorial project was Phairenthagi Angaoba Leichil. Under his own production banner, Diya Film World, he had produced films like Lamjani and Thabum Tara. His last feature film where he acted was the 2024 feature Una Una . [9] He was also an approved artist with All India Radio, Imphal.
| Year | Film | Director | Production House (Studio) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Kombeerei | Gurumayum Narayan Sharma | N.S. Films |
| 1990 | Ingallei | R.K. Kripa | M.K. Films |
| 1993 | Madhabee | Laimayum Banka Sharma | K.B. Films |
| Thambal | R.K. Kripa | Pony Films | |
| 1995 | Sanamanbi Sanarei | Gurumayum Narayan Sharma | N.S. Films |
| 1996 | Kanaga Hinghouni | Chan Heisnam & Khwairakpam Bishwamittra | Bright Films & Shankar Film Industries |
| 1998 | Meiree | L. Surjakanta | Pony Films |
| Amambashu Anganbani | Khwairakpam Bishwamittra & Ksh. Kishorekumar | Bright Films | |
| 1999 | Eigee Punshi | R.K. Kripa | |
| 2000 | Lei-ee Ama | R.K. Kripa | |
| 2002 | Laibak | W. Ibohal | Shree Shree Govindaji Films |
| 2004 | Reporter | L. Surjakanta | Vishnu Creations |
| 2005 | Mathang Mapokta | Himself | Shiva Films |
| Hero | Himself | G.S. Films | |
| 2006 | Akhunba Mani | Romi Meitei | Bandana Films |
| 2014 | Hoo Chaage | Denny Likmabam | Omega Films |
| Tumba Chaba Khangdana | Ojitkumar Elangbam | Plus Media | |
| 2015 | Waarookok | Santa Potsangbam | Media Moods |
| 2022 | Akangba Nachom | Inaocha Khundrakpam | Evening Star Films |
| 2024 | Una Una | Irel Luwang | Pamel Films |
| Year | Film | Production House (Studio) |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Phairenthagi Angaoba Leichil | Trishul Films |
| Chingjaogum Lepliba Thamoi | Brilliant Films | |
| Panthungeedara Nungsiba | Royal Movies | |
| 2005 | Mathang Mapokta | Shiva Film |
| Sageigee Mouni | Scion Pictures Unlimited | |
| Hero | G.S. Films | |
| 2006 | Thamoina Kari Hairi | G Movies |
| Mamoudo Hingchabido Manemdo | 3 Diamond Films | |
| Eshworgee Khudol (Mathang Mapokta 2) | Shiva Films | |
| Sakthibee Tampha | Ningthibee Films | |
| 2007 | Ei Lakle | 3 Diamond Films |
| Cheitheng Amana | Lakshmi Narayan Films | |
| 2008 | Lamlanbi | Nongpok Mashu Taibang Films |
| Nangini Nungshiba | Peace Films | |
| Wahang | Star Films | |
| 2009 | Thokkidagi Kishi | G.S. Films |
| Eegi Machu | 3 Diamond Films | |
| Lonthoktabagee Wari | Sagupta Films | |
| 2010 | Thabum Tara | Diya Film World |
| 2011 | Echasha Epa Lamboirage | SAM Films |
| 2012 | Sanamatum | Sanarei Film |
| Eigee Brother | Diya Film World | |
| ABC Apang Budhu Crek | Dew Films |
Khwairakpam won the Best Actor Award twice for his role in the film Eigee Punshi.
| Award | Category | Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manipur State Film Festival 1999 | Best Actor | Eigee Punshi | Won | |
| ED Vision Film Awards | Best Actor | Won | ||
| 15th Manipur State Film Awards 2023 | Best Supporting Actor - Male | Akangba Nachom | Won | [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] |
| 11th MANIFA 2023 | Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Male | Nominated | [15] [16] [17] |