Keisham Kuber

In the 2000s, Keisham Kuber became a well known figure in Meitei cinema’s digital era, often portraying roles in queer characters in comedic ways, showing humiliation, derogatory remarks, and ridicule, especially in movies including Eigidi Thawaini, Huranbado Mapuni, and Thajadaba Mitkuptuda, that reinforced stereotypes and contributed to the marginalization of the LGBTQ community, as the "objects of mockery".
Other than onscreen activities, he is also known for working in environmental conservation efforts, like participating in the tree plantation drives.

 Early life and education 

Keisham Kuber was born in Top Khongnangkhong, Imphal East, Manipur, to Keisham Gouramani Singh and Keisham Ongbi Leirikmacha Devi. He is the youngest of five siblings, with two sisters and two elder brothers. He completed his matriculation from Lamphel High School in 1978 and graduated from Modern College in 1982. He is married and has three children: Kapil, Kapila, and Kripa.

 Career in acting 

Kuber had a passion for writing poems and stories since his childhood. To enhance his storytelling skills, he began acting in proscenium theatre. He joined the People Art and Dramatic Association in his hometown and later worked with Panthoibi Natya Mandir from 1987, under the guidance of theatre director Yumnam Rajendra.

At Rajendra’s suggestion, Kuber also studied other performance arts. He learned Manipuri dance at JN Manipur Dance Academy for 12 years and trained in Thang-Ta (Manipuri martial arts) under Keirao Sana.

 Theatre career 

During his time with the People Art and Dramatic Association, Kuber performed in several plays, including:

 Tas Chang Thok-ee

 Chingningi Sheirol

 Guru Dakhina

 Taramdai Korou

 Hanglai

 Mukti

 Manjagi Kangthol

 Ishanougi Kangkhul

 Nokphade comedy series 

Kuber joined the Nokphade comedy series in 1994, a project created by Ruhinikumar Thoudam. Although hesitant at first, he joined the cast starting from Volume 3 after the earlier volumes gained popularity.

He acted in Nokphade from Volume 3 to Volume 14, and is also part of Volume 15, scheduled for release soon. His character Baladeva, a submissive husband dominated by his wife Radha, was particularly popular in the play Khangenphamda Ngairi, dramatized by Ruhinikumar and based on Sorat Kana Solbigani, a story by Niladhaja Khuman.

Kuber credits both Ruhinikumar and Yumnam Rajendra for shaping his acting career.

 Shumang Leela career 

Kuber began performing in Shumang Leela theatrical performances in 2010, after being invited by playwright-director Ranjit Ningthouja. Initially reluctant due to his deep involvement in theatre, he finally agreed after obtaining permission from his theatre mentor, Yumnam Rajendra.

His debut Shumang Leela was Phajabeegi Mapu, produced by North Imphal Manipur Jatra Mandal and performed at the Manipur State Shumang Leela Ningtham Kumhei 2010. He played the role of a Pung Yeiba (traditional drummer). His other performances include:

 Basantagi Mapao

 Loktak

 Meet Ani

 Sajibu Nongma Panba (playing as Lainingthou)

He continues to be an active member of the Shumang Leela community.

 Awards and honours 

Kuber received several accolades for his acting:

 Best Actor award at the All India Short Play Competition, Allahabad (2013), for his role as Yongkham in Tas Chang Thok-ee.

 Best Actor award from Langmeidong Dramatic Union in 2004.

 Second prize for Best Actor for movie "Lalol-loidaba Lallonba" produced by Nokphade Cultural Foundation, awarded by the Langmeidong Dramatic Union (LDU) and the Manipur State Kala Akademi, Imphal, in the 48th Kha Manipur Drama Festival 2025.

 Writing career 

Besides acting, Kuber is also a writer. He published a poetry book titled Mirang Thuraba Til in 1985. He has also written around 43 short stories, many of which were published in the Sanaleibak daily newspaper.

 Related pages 
 Traditional Meitei theatre
 Modern Meitei theatre
 Meitei literature
 Oinam Bijando
 RK Hemabati
 Bishesh Huirem
 Beoncy Laishram

 References 

Category:Meitei people
Category:People from Manipur
Category:Indian actors
Category:Indian writers
Category:Queer people
Category:Indian environmentalists
Category:Indian activists
Category:Indian comedians
Category:LGBT people