Diya Khwairakpam is a multifaceted actor who needs no introduction. He was a favorite and handsome hero for many fans, who could win high public accolades during the days of Manipuri celluloid films. Youngest son among nine siblings (four sons, five daughters) born to Khwairakpam Momon and Khwairakpam Ongbi Bormani of Yumnam Leikai Imphal west, Diya was motivated into the world of theatre since his childhood as he was brought up in the family of a great theatre environment. His father was a senior drama artiste and director of Rupmahal theatre. His great Grandfather Nabakishore was also a theatre activist who introduced drama in Manipur for the first time.
His entry in celluloid film
He learnt theatre under the feet of Shyamdhoni whom Diya still regards his first Guru in his theatre career. Later on, he also learnt theatre from Khaidem Bihari, Yumnam Rajendra (Sangeet Natak Akademy Awardee), Oja Manaobi MDU director etc who introduced Diya in the arena of film. With the help these Gurus, Diya could reach Eigya Naran. They suggested Diya to join films and he was brought to the house of Eiyga Naran who selected Diya to act a lead role in Manipuri feature film “Kombirei”.
His debut film
Diya made his debut in Manipuri celluloid film “Lamphelpatki Kombirei” as lead role with Nirmala as heroine. He had acted leading role in about 18 Manipuri celluloid films. Among the actors, Diya is the only Manipuri actor who had acted maximum lead roles in as many as 18 Manipuri celluloid films. His last Manipuri celluloid film is “Laibak”.
The films he acted are Kombirei, Ingalei, Thambal, Sanamanibi Snarei, Meiri, Hayengna Kanagino, Meiri Ama, Opertaion Sangai, Amambasu Anganbani, Madhabee, Kanaga Hinghougani, Shiroi Lily, Eidi Thadoklabini, Meichak Meichak, Eigi Punsi, Amuba Chandan, Helloi, Leiyi Ama, Laibak among others.
He also acted in some Manipuri digital films like Mathang Mapokta, Tumba Chaba Khangdana, Hu Chage, Warukak.
He said that Devala, Seema, Nirmala were his best actresses with whom he found comfortable while co-acting in films.
Diya won two times best actor award in the Manipuri film Eigi Punsi. Almost films of Diya were screened in the cinema halls of Manipuri for many days due to pubic demand. Satisfied with Diya’s films which lasted many days in cinema halls, Proprietor of Sankar Talkies once awarded him cash award of Rs 5,000 and a citation.
“During celluloid days, some films were screened for many days and months, say 100 days due to public demand. Nowadays, the fate of Manipuri films is uncertain. A newly released Manipuri digital film cannot last more than two three weeks. It very unfortunate”, Diya lamented.
His works as director-producer
He has directed more than 30 Manipuri digital films. He directed the Manipuri digital film Phairenthagi Angaoba Leichil for the first time. He also joined many tele-films.
Diya has produced some Manipuri digital films under the Diya Film Production banner. He has now many film assignments, but is unable to actively take part in film activities due to his other personal works. He wishes to produce one or two quality films one in a year under his films banner.
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