Elangbam Indu (Heisnam Ongbi)

Heisnam Ongbi Indu Devi of Keishamthong Elangbam Leikai, Imphal, is one of the most noted female actors of Manipuri Theatre who success in the field of Manipuri Cinema is equally noteworthy. Born with an inherent talent for acting, she started her career as a child actor before joining the Manipur Artistes Touring Drama Party in the 1960s. Later she joined Manipur Dramatic Union, one of the premier theatre groups of the State. She was also associated with other popular theatre groups including Rupmahal and Aryan Theatre. Over these long years, she had not only acted in over a hundred plays but had the opportunity to work under the guidance of several renowned theatre gurus such as E. Joychandra Singh and N. Tombi Singh. Some of her memorable plays include Punshi Pamel, Nungshi Basanta, Sati Khongnang, Judge Sahebki Emung etc. She has also toured several cities of the country to participate in theatre festivals and competitions. She won the Best Actress Award twice at the All India Short Play Competition and was adjudged the 2nd Best Actress on two occasions at the same competition. Besides acting, she has also directed several plays for theatre as well as Shumang Leel and was adjudged the Best Director at the All India Multi-Lingual Drama Competition, 2005. An A Grade artiste AIR, Imphal, she has also been honoured with Natya Bhusan by Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Imphal. In recognition of her noteworthy contribution in the field of Manipuri Theatre, Smt. Heisnam Ongbi Indu Devi is honoured with Manipur State Kala Akademi Award.