Shougrakpam Hemanta

Shougrakpam Hemanta (born 1969) is an Indian comedian, actor, writer and director, who has worked in various Shumang Kumhei plays and Manipuri films. He is well known for his role of Oja Tolhan in Eegi Mahao and his portrayal of the title role in the movie Mantri Dolansana. In 2017, he was conferred with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in recognition of his contribution in the traditional Meitei theatre of the Shumang Kumhei. With this, he became the first person to receive the award for this art form.

Shougrakpam Hemanta also served as the secretary of Manipur State Shumang Leela Council.

Career Hemanta joined Shumang Kumhei on 20 December 1982. In the beginning of his career in the field of performing arts, he did not receive patronage from his parents. With his strong courage and determination, he continued to learn the basics of the traditional theatre form. He had received guidance from renowned theatre personalities like L. Ibotombi Sharma, N. Angouton Meetei and T. Nabakumar Singh. He received the first Best Comedian award for his role in the Shumang Leela Sharat Ritugi Purnima. He has acted in more than 70 plays. Some of his well known plays include Lidicegee Gulap, Memsahebki Saree, Kanchi Ashram and Ningol Chakkouba. He has also directed more than 20 Shumang Leelas and wrote around eight plays. He bagged the Best Director Award and won Best Comedian Award 25 times.

His is popularly known as Oja Tolhan for his comic role of a teacher in the movie Eegi Mahao. His titular role in the comedy-genre film Mantri Dolansana is also vividly remembered until today by the cinema lovers of Manipur. He has directed a movie named Shakhangdaba.

Selected Shumang Kumheis

Sharat Ritugi Purnima Kanchi Ashram Lidicegee Gulap Devadas Memsahebki Saree Ningol Chakkouba Ugandagee Maraibak Nangna Luhongdringei Ingagee Purnima Urirei Madhabee Samballeina Kundo Mangluraba Lann Sanagee Ching Sagol Kangjei Mera Thaomei (2016) Khoi Mahum Ee Maree Luchingba Mellei Laishna Ahinggi Likla Kolom Semkhraba Leihao Pameldugee Ukhada Leikanglada Thambal Ahingda Numit (2019) Kak E Dagi Ee Leikrakta Lou Uba (2020) Keidoubagi Kidoino (2021) Wakhal Eronba (2022) Ireibakkidamak (2022) Khunai Mai Taaba (2022) Pathou Mangol Khenjonglang (2023) 3rd May (2025) Punshi Mathel (2025)

Selected filmography