Renowned Manipuri filmmaker, music director and actor Oken Amakcham passed away after a prolonged illness on Sunday, July 19, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced. The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the demise of the veteran artiste, describing him as one of the most influential figures in Manipuri cinema.
In a condolence message shared on X, Singh said Amakcham’s immense contribution to the film industry would remain an enduring legacy. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
Born on March 1, 1962, at Kongba Kshetri Leikai in Imphal East district, Amakcham began his artistic career in theatre after graduating from Dhanamanjuri College in 1981. He trained under several noted theatre personalities before pursuing formal studies in music and earning a Visharad qualification from Bhatkhande Sangeet Vidyapeeth in Lucknow.
Amakcham made his acting debut in Sanakhya Ibotombi’s Iche Sakhi (1986) and later directed Khonthang (1992), which was selected for the Indian Panorama section at the International Film Festival of India in 1993 before being screened at international film festivals.
He gained national acclaim with Mayophygee Macha (1994), which received the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Manipuri at the 42nd National Film Awards. Written by M. K. Binodini Devi, the film is regarded as one of the finest works in Manipuri cinema.
In 2002, Amakcham directed Lammei, the first Manipuri video film to receive a commercial theatrical release, marking a milestone in the state’s digital film movement. His other notable works include Cheina, Tellanga Mamei, Nungshithel, Aroiba Bidai and Thajabagee Wangmada.
Beyond filmmaking, he served as a jury member at the 58th National Film Awards and as Vice-Chairman of Film Forum Manipur. He also composed music for several of his films and directed biographical documentaries on eminent theatre personalities, including Heisnam Kanhailal and Ratan Thiyam.
Amakcham is survived by his wife, Jenita Amakcham, and other family members. His death marks the end of a distinguished career that helped shape modern Manipuri cinema and inspired generations of filmmakers and artists.
