OC Meira

OC Meira, also known as Oinamcha Meira (, born 19 August 1977), is an Indian filmmaker, journalist, and creative writer from Manipur. He is known for directing several Meitei language short and feature films and for his involvement in Meitei literature and journalism.

 Early life and family 

OC Meira was born on 19 August 1977 in Chana Mayai Leikai, Imphal East, Manipur.
His father is Oinam Lukhoi (also known as Chana Lukhoi) and his mother is Oinam Ongbi Nungthinchaibi (also called Chana Lembi).
He is married to Rajkumari Vijaya Sana, and they have a child named Lucent Oinam.

Meira’s father, Chana Lukhoi, was a well-known artist in Shumang Leela (traditional Meitei courtyard theatre). Many famous artists who performed roles such as Jagat Singh, Bira Singh, Abirkhan, and Cheitei visited their home to learn from his father. As a young boy, Meira often watched these artists perform and imitated their actions with his friends, which inspired his early interest in theatre and performance.

 Education 

OC Meira completed a Master of Arts (MA) in Manipuri from Assam University, Silchar.

 Early interests 

In his youth, Meira actively took part in local functions, skits, and community programs. He was often involved in organizing games like tambola, making announcements in public programs, and helping in local events. His regular presence in community activities helped him develop skills in performance and communication.

 Early career 

Before becoming a filmmaker, Meira explored different artistic and cultural activities. He worked as a priest for the Meitei community, performed in Wari Leeba storytelling programs, wrote prose and poems, worked as a journalist, drew artistic sketches, wrote song lyrics, and acted in plays and Shumang Leela performances.

Despite trying many fields, Meira eventually chose filmmaking and writing as his main professions.

 Journalism and literary work 

Meira has been active in Manipuri journalism and literature.

 Editorial work 

 Editor-in-Chief – IPAK (monthly Manipuri journal)

 Editor – Ngaklou (Manipuri literary journal)

 Former Editor – Manipuri (journal of Assam University)

 Board Member – Neinarol (Manipuri literary journal)

 Former Sub-editor – Matamgi Yakairol (Manipuri daily newspaper)

 Published books 

 Ayukki Atiya (poems, 2007)

 Kaidongpham (essays, 2008)

 Saktam Khara Wakhallon Khara (essays, 2011)

 Artistic and organizational roles 

OC Meira is an approved artist of All India Radio Imphal.
He is the founder secretary of:

 Ipak Film Production

 Patriotic Writers’ Forum Manipur (PAWF)

 Sangai Film Production

He is also a member of several organizations, including:

 Film Directors’ Guild Manipur

 Biramangol College Alumni Association

 Writers’ Forum Imphal

 Ashei Waphong Yokkhat Lup

 Sheihek Sheireng Sheipan Semgat Lup

 All Manipur Working Journalists Union

 All India Youth Federation, Manipur State Council

 Film career 

 Beginning 

OC Meira began his film career in 2010 when he directed his first Manipuri short film “Kathokpagi Saklon”, produced by Rakesh Naorem. After receiving appreciation for this film, Meira directed several other short films, including:

 Sageigi Sanaarei

 Tollabasinggi Tolen

 Numit Mana Tadringei

He later directed more than eight feature films, becoming one of the active filmmakers in Manipuri digital cinema.

 Feature films directed 

Some of his known films include:

 Shakhenbi Iteima

 Phongdoknadringei

 Ngaina Ngaina

 Leiyisigi Wangmada

 Thamoida Kiramba Kisi

 Eegi Khongul

 Laanthengnaribi

 Kanglaba Chenghi Mayal

All these films were produced by Rakesh Naorem, with whom Meira developed a successful collaboration.

 Notable works and events 

 Poppy Leirang (2023) – A music video directed by OC Meira, achieved the Best Lyrics Award at the 15th Manipur State Film Awards (MSFA) 2023.

 Khomlang Laman (2024) – A feature film directed by Meira, screened at Manipur University during the World Teachers’ Day celebration organized by the Manipur University Students’ Union.

 Ashengba Eral (2025) – Directed by Meira and written by Kshetrimayum Subadani, under Dosuyali Film Production. The film won several awards at the 6th Roshani International Film Festival 2025. It won the Best Film award at PRAG Cine Awards Northeast 2023.

 Bangladeshki Sana Tampha (2025) – The film, directed by OC Meira, at the 5th Reels International Film Festival 2025, received Best Feature Film and Best Story awards.

 Awards 
 On December 3, 2017, OC Meira was honored with the Mombi Award by the Manipuri Theatre Centre, Assam, in recognition of his contributions to society through his influential artistic works.
 On December 10, 2017, in a cultural ceremony, Oinamcha Meira was awarded the title Chingkhei Lammit Meira by the Ima Leisem Inat Yokhat Lup. The organizers stated that he was selected for his unbiased and critical writings.
 OC Meira received the Jury Special Mention Award at the NIRI 9 – 2nd International Film Festival 2023, held at Sangeet Kala Mandir, Kolkata.
 Best Lyricist (“Ngamnaba Lanfamse”), at the 12th Manipuri Film Awards (MANIFA) 2025, organized by Thouna Manipur and Film Forum Manipur, held at Central Public Hall, Kakching Sanggai Lampak, Kakching district.

 Legacy and influence 

From childhood, OC Meira remained connected with theatre and film. His artistic journey was inspired by Shumang Leela groups, MDU, and Rupmahal Theatre artists. By observing their performances, he learned acting techniques indirectly and participated in various drama groups.

His role as Jan Neta Irabot in a street play received wide applause.
Through continuous work in theatre and film, Meira became one of the known filmmakers of Manipur.

 Related pages 
 Oinam family

 References 

Category:Meitei people
Category:Filmmakers
Category:People from Manipur
Category:Writers
Category:Poets
Category:Meitei literature
Category:Journalists