R.K. Hemabati | |
|---|---|
| Born | Rajkumari Hemabati 23 December 1954 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | Graduation, GP Women's College |
| Occupation(s) | Actress, writer |
| Spouse | Haobam Priyokumar |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) | R.K. Sanatomba R.K. Ongbi Ngangbishija Devi |
Rajkumari Hemabati (born December 23, 1954), popularly known as R.K. Hemabati, is an Indian actress from Manipur, known for her roles in Manipuri films and theatre. [1] [2] [3] She gained early recognition for her performances as a lead actress in Manipuri cinema during the 1970s and later transitioned to character roles, particularly portraying maternal figures. [4] [5] [6] Hemabati is also a writer and radio drama scriptwriter, with decades of contribution to the arts in Manipur. [7] [8]
R.K. Hemabati was born at Nongmeibung Wangkheirakpam Leikai, Imphal, Manipur to R.K. Sanatomba and R.K. Ongbi Ngangbishija Devi. She is the fourth of eight siblings. She completed her early education at Mutum Leikai L.P. School and passed her matriculation from Ananda Singh Higher Secondary School in 1970–71. She graduated from GP Women's College in 1975. From a young age, Hemabati showed interest in the performing arts, including singing, dancing, and acting. Although she had a passion for singing, she did not pursue formal training due to the absence of a mentor. [7] [8]
Hemabati is married to Haobam Priyokumar. They have two children: a daughter and a son. The family resides in Kangabam Leikai, Imphal. [7] [8]
Hemabati made her film debut with Yairipok Thambalnu (1984), in which she portrayed the titular role. She went on to appear in several Manipuri celluloid films, including Khonjel, Khamba Thoibi, Meichak, Thamoinadi Kouhouri, Amambasu Anganbani and Aroiba Natte. Her first digital film was Thajabagee Wangmada (2004). One of her most memorable performances was in Thamoinadi Kouhouri, where she played a poor woman who suffers deep personal losses. The film, produced by Bright Films, remains one of her favorites. [7]
Although Hemabati began her career in films, she later joined the Manipur Dramatic Union (MDU) to improve her acting skills. She received training from various theatre instructors and performed in notable plays such as Khamba Thoibi, Sana Yaathang, Samajgi Langlen, Bir Tikendrajit and Puya Mei Thaaba. She has acted in over seven television plays, including Sambaldi Leihouri, Ipam Lamdam Lamnungsi, and Changyengduda. Apart from acting, Hemabati is also a writer. She has written poetry, short stories, and scripts for radio dramas. Her radio play Angouba Leichil was broadcast by All India Radio (AIR) Imphal. In 2005, she published a collection of 21 short stories titled Chekla Amadi Khonglembi. [8]
Outside her artistic career, she worked as an Inspector in the Economics and Statistics Department of the Government of Manipur. She joined the department in 1979 and retired in 2017. After her retirement, Hemabati began formal training in singing under noted artist Asem Bimola. [7]
R.K. Hemabati was honoured with different titles at film awards and festivals.
| Award | Category | Film | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th RJ Film Vision Special Awards 2011 | Best Supporting Actress | – | Won | [9] |
| 7th SSS MANIFA 2018 | Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Female | Wakching Thagee Sanarei | Nominated | [10] |
| Year | Title | Director | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Yairipok Thambalnu | Laimayum Banka Sharma | [11] |
| 1998 | Meichak | Laimayum Banka Sharma | |
| 2004 | Hi Sweety Hello Preety | Chan Heisnam | |
| Thajabagee Wangmada | Oken Amakcham | [12] | |
| 2005 | Laang | Moirangthem Inao | |
| Nangtana Helli | Oken Amakcham | [13] | |
| Laibakkee Chandan | O. Gautam | ||
| 2006 | Basantagee Nongallamdai | Tej Kshetri | [14] |
| Nakenthana Ngairi | Dinesh Tongbram | [15] [16] | |
| Tellangga Mamei | Oken Amakcham | [17] | |
| Lakhipurgi Lakhipyari | L. Surjakanta | [18] | |
| Khuji | Romi Meitei | [19] | |
| Kaorage | Khwairakpam Bishwamittra | [20] [21] | |
| 2007 | Meera Memcha | Mohendro | [22] |
| 2008 | Echan | Amar Raj | |
| Chumthang Makhong | Romi Meitei | [23] | |
| Liklaai | Pilu H. | ||
| Chatlabra Waarouna? | Khwairakpam Bishwamittra | ||
| Ekhenglaktagi Red Rose | Romi Meitei | ||
| Ningol Leima | Bijgupta Laishram | ||
| 2009 | Kaboklei | Pilu H. | [24] [25] |
| Leikang Thambal | Tej Kshetri | ||
| 2010 | Imphal Ningol | Bijgupta Laishram | |
| Thoudang | Romi Meitei | ||
| 21st Century's Kunti | Joy Soram | ||
| Saklon Amada | L. Surjakanta | [26] [27] | |
| 2013 | Beragee Bomb | O. Gautam | [28] |
| Thabaton | Bijgupta Laishram | ||
| Chow Chow Momo na Haobara Shingju Bora na Oinambara | R.K. Jiten | [29] | |
| Thajagee Maihing | Romi Meitei | ||
| Lumfoo Tomba | Bimol Phibou | ||
| 2014 | Sanagi Tangbal | Bijgupta Laishram | [30] |
| Meerang Mahum | Ajit Ningthouja | [31] | |
| 2015 | Kum Kang Kum Kabi Chang | Khwairakpam Bishwamittra | [32] [33] |
| Nungshit Mapi | Ajit Ningthouja | [34] | |
| 2016 | Tharo Thambal | Bijgupta Laishram | |
| 2017 | Ningtha | Homen D' Wai | |
| Iche Tampha | Bijgupta Laishram | [35] | |
| Wakching Thagee Sanarei | K. Bimol Sharma | [36] | |
| 2018 | Soinairaba Thamoi | Pilu H. | |
| Leichilda Pallaba Thaja | Pilu H. | ||
| 2019 | Wakchingi Len | Bijgupta Laishram | |
| Ichadi Manini | Geet Yumnam | ||
| 2022 | Ashira Punshi | Bijgupta Laishram | |
| Echa | Bijgupta Laishram | [37] | |
| 2024 | Leishna | Hemanta Khuman | |
| Una Una | Irel Luwang | [38] | |
| Taru Tarubi | Hemanta Khuman | [39] | |
| 2025 | Ningolgee Laibak | Kshetri Shanta |