Priyakanta Laishram is an Indian film actor, filmmaker, writer, film producer, film editor and LGBTQIA+ activist who predominantly appears in Manipuri films. He is a recipient of several international and national level film awards.
Popularly known as Priyakanta Thoi Laishram, he is the first filmmaker from Manipur, India to make the first mainstream Manipuri feature film based on same sex relationships and sexual identity - "ONENESS" (2023).
He has a Bachelor's degree in Mass Media from Mumbai University with specialization in Advertising. He also earned an Honours degree in Sociology from Panjab University, Chandigarh. As of 2023, he is pursuing Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication at Amity University, Noida. He did his schooling from Tiny Tots' Unique School (Imphal), H.R.D Academy (Imphal) and GMSSS 35, (Chandigarh).
The Foul Truth, It's Not My Choice, Who Said Boys Can't Wear Make Up, I am Special, Oneness, Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida, Chan-Thoibi, Lammuknarure, Achumbadi Amarni are some of his notable films.
Today, he is best known for making films on taboo subjects such as male rape, LGBTQIA+ issues, gender neutrality, drug menace etc. He was also lauded for his 2020 hit talk-show series Up-Close With Priyakanta Laishram Season 01.
Priyakanta Laishram was born on November 07, 1998 in the Imphal East district of Manipur, into a Meitei family. Priyakanta's father, Harendra Laishram is an MPS Officer and his mother, Jibanlata Laishram, was an actress. His elder sister Caroline Laishram is a renowned fashion designer. His mother passed away due to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in 2016 after fighting for 4 years.
He started making short films when he was just 9 years old by using a mobile phone (Nokia N70). By the age of 11, he made three full length children films and emerged as one of the youngest filmmakers in India. He himself wrote scripts, directed and edited the films. And all this was done without any help from any experts. Laishram was not trained under any director. It was his determination to follow his passion that prompted him to learn and excel at filmmaking. His first full length children film "Lamuknarure" followed by "Achumbadi Amarni" and "Chan-Thoibi" were screened in 2009.
Asian News International cited him as "Manipur's Rising Star". ANI wrote "Youth like Priyakanta are brand ambassadors for change that can take place in the Manipur and are a source of inspiration for many." His works gained recognition in North East India and he received certificates of appreciation from many organizations. He received several titles including "India's Youngest Filmmaker" by Reuters International, "Youngest Film-Maker 2009" by Nokia CNN Mobiles & "Nokia Award For Outstanding Contribution 2009" by Nokia.
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