Laishram Lalitabi | |
|---|---|
| Born | Laishram Lalitabi Devi 11 September 1953 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Spouse | Longjam Tomba |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) | Laishram Gourachand Singh Laishram Ongbi Chandramukhi Devi |
Laishram Lalitabi (born September 11, 1953) is an Indian actress from Manipur, known for her versatile roles in Manipuri films and theatre. [1] She is especially recognized for portraying motherly characters in over 300 films. With a career spanning decades, Lalitabi is celebrated for her wit, resilience, and humor both on and off the screen. [2] [3] [4]
Lalitabi was born at Porompat Thawanthaba Leikai to Laishram Gourachand and Laishram Ongbi Chandramukhi Devi. She is the youngest among eight siblings. Her father, a mason by profession, passed away when she was young, and the family faced financial difficulties. [2] Her widowed mother supported the family through weaving and selling clothes, with help from the children. Despite the hardships, Lalitabi showed a keen interest in arts from an early age. [4] She participated in recitation, music, and dance competitions during her school years. She studied at Thamchet Girls' High School, then at Wangkhei Girls' School, but could not complete her matriculation due to family responsibilities. [3]
At the age of 17, Lalitabi married Longjam Tomba of Nongmeibung Porompat Chuthek, who was employed at United Bank of India. The couple had two children: a son and a daughter. [2]
Lalitabi began acting at the age of 25 while living in Kakching, where her husband was posted. She joined the Kha-Manipur Dramatic Union and later trained at the Manipur Dramatic Union (MDU). She has been active on the stage, particularly with MDU. Some of her notable plays include Nunghirei, Ijat Masingga, Kari Kumheino, Sunugi Mahao, Irabot and Bir Tikendrajit. [2] [3]
In 1997, Lalitabi became an approved drama artist of All India Radio (AIR), Imphal. She appeared in several radio plays, some of which include Dharmagi Mingda Imagidamak, Wakatlamdrabi, Keithel Hongba and Yumburembi. She is also known for her comic roles in popular Manipuri TV series such as Nokphade, particularly the Laphoi Lousing series produced by Thoudam Ruhinikumar. She gained praise for her natural delivery in the Kakching dialect, which she learned while engaging in the rice business with local women during her time in Kakching. [2] [4]
She has acted in seven celluloid films, viz. Jahera, Thawaigi Thawai, Inthoklabi, Yaosanggi Meiri, Cheina , Nakenthana Ngairi and Ayukki Shingarei. Lalitabi has acted in over 300 digital Manipuri films, often portraying motherly roles. Her first digital film was the 2002 feature Lammei , a production of Kangla Films. [2] [3] [4] Other notable films of her include Tellangga Mamei , Thajabagee Wangmada, Heinoujom Yumbal Tellanga Yahip, Wanted Linthoi, Angaobigee Macha, Luhongbagi Ahing , Tamoyaigee Ebecha and Hainabado Chumle. [2] [3] [4]
Besides acting, Lalitabi is also a Nat Sankirtana performer. She sings traditional Meitei wedding songs as a Keina Puthopki, guiding the bride in ceremonial performances. [5] [6]
Laishram Lalitabi was honoured with different titles at film awards and festivals.
| Award | Category | Film | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manipur State Film Festival 2006 | Best Supporting Actress | Inthoklabi | [2] [3] [4] |
| 2nd SSS MANIFA 2013 | Best Supporting Actor - Female | Nongdambada Tanoubi | [7] [8] [9] |
| Year | Title | Director | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Jahera | Chandam Shyamacharan & Chandam Manorama | |
| 2002 | Lammei | Oken Amakcham | [10] [11] |
| 2003 | Cheina | Oken Amakcham | [12] [13] |
| Leichildagee Urok | O. Gautam | ||
| 2004 | Thajabagee Wangmada | Oken Amakcham | [14] |
| 2005 | Nangtana Helli | Oken Amakcham | [15] |
| 2006 | Nakenthana Ngairi | Dinesh Tongbram | [16] [17] |
| Eidee Chatle | Amar Raj | ||
| Tellangga Mamei | Oken Amakcham | [18] | |
| 2007 | Meitei Chanu | Amar Raj | |
| 2008 | Ei Ngaode | O. Gautam | |
| Ekhenglaktagi Red Rose | Romi Meitei | ||
| Ningol Leima | Bijgupta Laishram | ||
| 2009 | Heinoujom Yumbal Tellanga Yahip | Suvas E. | [19] |
| Yumleima Lamleima | Huirem Seema & Homen D' Wai | [20] | |
| 2010 | Thabum Tara | Diya Khwairakpam | |
| Saklon Amada | L. Surjakanta | [21] [22] | |
| Thoicha | Ningthoujam Prem | [23] | |
| Tingkhang | Niladhwaja Khuman | ||
| Tillaikhombee | Khwairakpam Bishwamittra | [24] | |
| Thasi Thanou | Eepu | [25] | |
| 2011 | Luhongbagi Ahing | Bijgupta Laishram | [26] [27] |
| 2013 | Tamoyaigee Ebecha | Pilu H. | [28] |
| Dr. Hemogee Heloi | Homen D' Wai | [29] [30] | |
| 2014 | Leikhamton | Tej Kshetri | [31] [32] |
| Sanagi Tangbal | Bijgupta Laishram | [33] | |
| Keithel Sendrang | L. Prakash | ||
| 2015 | Nungshit Mapi | Ajit Ningthouja | [34] |
| 2016 | Khongfam | Sudhir Kangjam | |
| Tharo Thambal | Bijgupta Laishram | ||
| 2017 | Mr. Khadang | Chou-En-Lai | [35] [36] [37] |
| 2018 | Meitan Araba | Lukanand Kshetrimayum | [38] [39] |
| Aliyah | Yoimayai Mongsaba | [40] [41] | |
| Sanagi Nga | Romi Meitei | ||
| 2019 | Khurai Angaobi | Sudhir Kangjam | [42] [43] |
| 2021 | Ima Machet Icha Tangkhai | Khoibam Homeshwori | [44] |
| 2022 | Ashira Punshi | Bijgupta Laishram | |
| 2024 | Oitharei | Dinesh Naorem | [45] [46] |
| 2025 | Yahouthengba Khoimu | Rakesh Naorem | [47] [48] |
| Nung Onkhraba Thamoi | Surjit Khuman | ||
| Hainabado Chumle | Sudhir Kangjam | [49] | |
| Khangpoksang Gee Sha | Naocha Sana | ||
| Upcoming | Yaisa Returns | Binoranjan Oinam |