The prize distribution function of the 48th Kha Manipur Drama Festival 2025 was held on Tuesday at the LDU Hall, Langmeidong. The festival was jointly organised by the Langmeidong Dramatic Union (LDU) and the Manipur State Kala Akademi, Imphal.
The drama festival, which began on October 7, featured 19 theatre groups from across Manipur and concluded successfully on October 18.
At the closing function, Heirok MLA Thokchom Radheshyam, Hiyanglam MLA Dr. Yumnam Radheshyam, Jiribam MLA Md. Ashab Uddin, and Secretary of Manipur State Kala Akademi, Sunanda Thokchom, attended as chief guest, chief host, guests of honour, and president respectively.
The awards for outstanding performances and technical excellence were also announced during the ceremony.
The Best Production Award went to Yumjao Lairembi Dramatic & Cultural Union, Khagempalli Huidrom Leikai, for the play “Machu.” The Second Best Production went to Cultural Star Academy for “Langmai Ningol Petanga,” and the Third Best Production went to Eastern Manipur Artistes Association (EMAA), Charangpat for “Water.”
Best Director was awarded to L. Shyamkishor of Yumjao Lairembi Dramatic & Cultural Union for “Machu.” The Second Best Director went to Irom Shyamkishor of Phambam Shaktam Langba Leepun, Keinou for “Iche,” while B. Jugolchandra Sharma of Y. Sunita Memorial Arts & Cultural Centre, Thoubal, won the Third Best Director for “Chatlashi Eikhoi Ani.”
Best Script Writer was awarded to Mani Yumnam (Machu – Yumjao Lairembi Dramatic & Cultural Union). Soibamcha Indrakumar (Nungshi Khangdabi – Kodompokpi Dramatic Union) and Moirangthem Priyobarta (Iche – Phambam Shaktam Langba Leepun) received the second and third prizes respectively.
Best Actor went to Th. Nabachandra (Thounju Naba) for his role as Kanta in “Machu.” Th. Roben (Herachandra – Wangoi Dramatic Union) and Sh. Bijen (Shakhangdaba Diary – Kangla, Uchiwa) bagged the second and third positions.
Best Actress was jointly awarded to Lovely Soraicham (Iche – Phambam Shaktam Langba Leepun) and G. Kalpana (Nungshi Khangdabi – Kodompokpi Dramatic Union). The second and third Best Actress awards went to Ch. Nganthoi (Ahing Nang Loikhinu – Manipur Youths Cultural Organisation) and Meikam Babygrace (Shakhangdaba Diary – Kangla, Uchiwa).
Best Supporting Actor was jointly awarded to Longjam Ibochouba (Herachandra – Wangoi Dramatic Union) and Shyamananda (Machu – Yumjao Lairembi Dramatic & Cultural Union). Keisham Kuber (Lalol-loidaba Lallonba – Nokphade Cultural Foundation) received the second prize.
Best Supporting Actress was awarded to Oinam Monalisha (Machu – Yumjao Lairembi Dramatic & Cultural Union). A. Rita (Ichel Tatkhraba Ichel – Singjamei Dramatic Union) and Ningthoujam Anita (Nungshi Khangdabi – Kodompokpi Dramatic Union) shared the second prize.
Best Comedian went to A. Surjit Khuman (Iche – Phambam Shaktam Langba Leepun), while Sundarlal (Lalol-loidaba Lallonba – Nokphade Cultural Foundation) received the second prize.
Best Child Artist was awarded to Supriya Sapam (Water – EMAA, Charangpat), and the second prize went to K. Lanchenba (Leichingee Napal – Jagoi Nachom Sangeet Kala Academy Mahavidyalaya).
Best Discipline Award went to Jagoi Nachom Sangeet Kala Academy Mahavidyalaya for “Leichingee Napal.” The second prize went to Y. Sunita Memorial Arts & Cultural Centre, Thoubal, for “Chatlashi Eikhoi Ani.”
Best Make-up Artist: Kh. Ratankumar (Machu – Yumjao Lairembi Dramatic & Cultural Union). The second prize went to Oinam Bung (Water – EMAA, Charangpat).
Best Music: A. Robindro (Machu – Yumjao Lairembi Dramatic & Cultural Union); second prize Ch. Jinit Meitei (Kaidongpal – Ibudhou Marjing Performing Art Centre, Tangkham).
Best Stage Management: Twelve Star Members (Iche – Phambam Shaktam Langba Leepun) and Paona Thoudam (Lalol-loidaba Lallonba – Nokphade Cultural Foundation) jointly won the first position; second prize went to Kh. Milanchandra Meitei (Leichingee Napal – Jagoi Nachom Sangeet Kala Academy Mahavidyalaya).
Best Costume: K. Sajita (Water – EMAA, Charangpat); second prize Ch. Rupa (Thoubi Senu Khamnu – Imphal Theatre, Wangkhei).
Best Lighting: L. Ratankumar (Machu – Yumjao Lairembi Dramatic & Cultural Union). The second prize went jointly to Rahul (Lalol-loidaba Lallonba – Nokphade Cultural Foundation) and G. Imotomba (Shakhangdaba Diary – Kanglei Living Art, Uchiwa).
The valedictory function also featured the presentation of special awards:
- Late E. Birkumar’s Lifetime Achievement Award 2025: Padma Shri Sabitri Heisnam
- G. Tombi Sharma Memorial Award 2025: K. Bormani, Director, EMAA Charangpat
- Y. Mangol Singh Memorial Award 2025: L. Dorendra, Director, Imphal Theatre
The event concluded with words of appreciation for all participating groups and individuals who contributed to the success of the festival.
