Noted Shumang Leela artiste Chinglen Thiyam, who was popularly known as ‘Commando Chinglen’, passed away on Thursday around 5pm at RIMS Hospital in Imphal after suffering from an illness. He was 70.
A versatile actor, Chinglen was popularly known as ‘Commando Chinglen’ for his brilliant portrayal of a belligerent police commando in the play “Thawaina Punsigidamak”.
He was hospitalised early June after he suffered a stroke and had been receiving treatment since.
Despite being born into a poor family to Thiyam Babu and Thiyam Ongbi Merajaobi of Khabi Mayai Leikai, Nambol, Chinglen struggled his way up from being just a performer to a director and had directed several Shumang Leelas (Courtyard Plays).
Apart from being an approved lyricist of AIR Imphal, he is also loved for the characters he played in Manipuri films. He is well known for his role of a Brahmin in the film ‘Keishamthong Thoibi’.
In his acting career, Chinglen associated with various Shumang Leela groups, namely Naharol Khongthang Artistes Association, Sangai Artistes Association, and Iramdam Manipur Artistes Association among others.
Chinglen, who had acted in over 100 plays and directed around 20 plays, was a senior artiste and director of the group, Iramdam Manipur Artistes Association, when he passed away.
In his career as an artiste, he has won awards four times as supporting actor. He also won senior fellowship 2015 in Shumang Leela conferred by Manipur State Kala Akademi; best lyricist award 2015 in the Manipur State Shumang Leela Festival organised by Manipur State Kala Akademi.
Recently, he was honored with the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Award, 2020 for his timeless contribution towards Manipuri Shumang Leela.
Meanwhile, All Manipur Matam Ishei Kanglup (AMMIK) has expressed its condolences over the demise of the seasoned artiste.
A condolence message released by AMMIK secretary said that the untimely and sudden demise of Chinglen Thiyam will be an irreparable loss for the artiste community especially for Shumang Leela.
AMMIK shares the grief of the bereaved family and prays for the departed soul to rest peacefully in its heavenly abode, it said.
