Biography

Aribam Syam Sharma is a distinguished Indian filmmaker and composer from Manipur, renowned for his contributions to Manipuri cinema. Born on March 21, 1936, in Imphal, Manipur, he has been a pivotal figure in the Indian film industry, particularly in the Northeastern region. He has been instrumental in bringing Manipuri cinema to national and international acclaim. Sharma’s journey in the arts began with his acting debut in “Matamgi Manipur,” the first Manipuri film. However, it was his directorial venture “Lamja Parshuram” in 1974 that established him as a significant figure in the film industry, as it became the first Manipuri film to achieve a 100-day run at the box office.

Sharma’s fourth film, “Imagi Ningthem,” garnered international attention and won the prestigious Montgolfiere d’Or at the Festival of Three Continents in Nantes in 1982. His subsequent film “Ishanou” was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival in 1991, further solidifying his status as a filmmaker of international repute.

Throughout his illustrious career, Aribam Syam Sharma has received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 2006, which he later returned in 2019 in protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill. His contributions to the arts have been recognized with various awards, such as the Golden Montgolfiere, V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Kamal Kumari National Award.

Sharma’s legacy extends beyond his films; he is also known for his blockbuster hits and records in Manipuri cinema. His work continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers and artists, and his dedication to the craft of filmmaking has made him a jewel of Manipuri cinema.