Chinglen Thiyam

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Chinglen Thiyam (1 March 1950 – 18 June 2020) was a notable figure in Manipur’s Shumang Kumhei theatre. He worked as an actor, comedian, lyricist and director, acting in over 100 plays and directing about 20. He also acted in Manipuri films. Known as Commando Chinglen for his tough police role in Thawaina Punshigidamak, he began his career in Shumang Leela with villain roles and later became a popular comedian.

Some of his famous Shumang Leela roles were Wari Loidri, Khomlang Laman, Thawaina Punshigidamak, Sanagi Nga and Keishamthong Thoibi, the last of which was made into a 2008 film with him in the same role. He studied theatre at Imphal College and trained with Chorus Repertory Theatre, Aryan Theatre and Rupmahal Theatre under Ratan Thiyam and Lokendra Arambam. He was active in theatre associations such as Naharol Khongthang Artistes' Association, Sangai Artistes' Association and IMAA, and his last Shumang Leela was Nacha Lanjare Ima (2020). He was an All India Radio artiste based in Imphal and acted in several films, including Meiree (1998) as Gogo Commando, Keishamthong Thoibi and Meefu Leikai, and appeared in the 2019 music video Ayukkina Korou Oirambee.

Awards include the 2015 Senior Fellowship from Manipur State Kala Akademi, Best Lyricist (2015) at the Manipur State Shumang Leela Festival, the 2014 Neta Irabot Leelaroi Lifetime Mana (Shumang Leela), and the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Award (2020). He passed away in Nambol, Manipur, at age 70; his parents were Thiyam Babu and Thiyam Ongbi Merajaobi.