Oinam Thoiba

Oinam Thoiba (born 15 September 1954 – died 4 November 2025) was an Indian Shumang Leela (courtyard play) actor and director from Manipur. He was best known for his roles in Khamnu 82 and Enamma. He was also nicknamed as "Ibai Thoiba" and "Point Kouta".

 Early life 

Oinam Thoiba was born on 15 September 1954 in Naharup Awang Leikai, Imphal East, Manipur. He was married and had three daughters and three sons.

 Career in Shumang Leela plays 

Thoiba began performing Shumang Leela in 1976. He was introduced to the art form by Oja Bidhu, who was popularly known as Soibon Saba. His first play was Puya Meithaba, under the guidance of Ningombam Angouton.

He became popularly known as Ebai Thoiba after acting in the play Khamnu 82. Thoiba learned Shumang Leela from several mentors, including Ningombam Angouton, Oja Mayurdhaja, and Birjit Ngangomba.

 Notable Works 

Oinam Thoiba acted in more than 100 Shumang Leela plays and directed many others in different groups.
Some of his popular plays include:

 Puya Meithaba

 Jagoi Sabi

 Laman

 Churanthaba

 Manglangi Manja

 Khamnu 82

 Nungshibagi Mamal

 Chahi Taret Khuntakpa

 Miss Sangbanabi

 Abir Khan

 Nungshi Mapao Tadrabasu

 Mou Apaibi

 Enamma

 Maogi Ebai

 Associations 

Thoiba was part of several Shumang Leela groups, including:

 Imphal Jatra cum Drama Association

 Time Star Artists Union

 Naharol Khongthang Artist Association (Chakthekpi Party)

 The North Imphal Jatra Mandal

 Peace Maker Artistes’ Association

 Awards and recognition 

Oinam Thoiba received several awards during his career:

 Best Actor Award for Leikang Thaba Thabaton (Imphal Jatra cum Drama Association) at the 1984 Shumang Leela Festival organized by Manipur State Kala Akademi.

 Best Supporting Actor Award for Manglangi Manja (Imphal Jatra cum Drama Association) at the 1990 Shumang Leela Festival.

 Best Director Award for Arangba Thawanmichak (Peace Maker Artistes’ Association) at the Shumang Leela Festival 2016–2017 of Manipur State Kala Akademi.

 Second Best Director Award for Keidoungei Chatkani (The North Imphal Jatra Mandal) at the Shumang Leela Festival 2006–2007.

 Filmography 

Thoiba also acted in Manipuri films, including Ema Ei Leihourage, Chekla Paikhrabada, and Loktak Patki Nungshibi.

 Retirement 

Ebai Thoiba retired from Shumang Leela in 2017 after receiving the Best Director Award at the Shumang Leela Festival 2016–2017, organized by Manipur State Kala Akademi.

 Related pages 
 Oinam family
 References 

Category:Meitei people
Category:Actors
Category:People from Manipur