Prominent second-generation Manipuri filmmaker, Rajkumar Kripajit Singh passed away on Monday after battling with a prolonged illness at his residence in Thangmeiband Lilasingh Khongnangkhong, Imphal. He is survived by his wife and two grown-up daughters.
Born on September 29, 1956, RK Kripa was captivated by the power of cinema and storytelling from a young age, and he cherished the entire process of translating a story into a motion picture, stated a release.
It quoted a statement made by Kripa, reflecting on his passion, which said, “I enjoyed the process of making films. The creative process of translating a story to a screen and the ultimate thrill one feels when the film is finally released is unforgettable.”
Inspired by the international success of ‘Imagi Ningthem’ in 1981, RK Kripa ventured into filmmaking in 1983 with his first feature film, ‘Mathanggee Yeningtha’, it stated. It noted that despite encountering production challenges that prevented its completion, he persevered and in 1990, he successfully collaborated with Laimayum Surjakanta to complete ‘Ingallei’, which marked the emergence of second-generation filmmakers in Manipur.
The first generation included stalwarts such as SN Chand, Aribam Syam Sharma, Kongbrailatpam Ibohal Sharma, MA Singh, and Sanakhya Ebotombi Haorokcham, the release mentioned.
It further stated that ‘Ingallei’ brilliantly portrayed the rich Manipuri ethos and traditions with literary erudition. Following its success, Kripa scripted and directed several acclaimed films, including ‘Thambal' (1993), ‘Eigi Punshi’ (1999), ‘Lei-ee Ama’ (2000) and ‘Laibak’ (2002), it stated.
Before being drawn into the magic of cinema through his association with SN Chand, the father of Manipur Cinema, in the early 1980s, Kripa was a critically acclaimed theatre artiste, it maintained. It added that his subtle performance on screen can be seen in Ningthouba Lancha’s short film adaptation of Priyokumar Keisham’s, ‘Nongdi Tarak-Hidare.’
The Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) also mourned the loss of the gritty filmmaker and eulogised him for his significant contributions to Manipuri Cinema, stating that it made him a true pioneer, it added.
