AIR Imphal offers free treat to Shumang Leela enthusiasts
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, January 10 2012: In an honest effort to provide a chance to enjoy our very own Shumang Leela by the people of the state free of cost, All India Radio (AIR), Imphal kicked off its 10-day long Akashvani Shumang Leela Festival, 2012 at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound from today.

The festival was inaugurated by RK Nimai, Commissioner of Arts and Culture, GoM as Chief Guest, renowned Musicologist Laishram Birendrakumar as Functional President and M Kanankumar, Assistant Station Director (ASD), AIR, Imphal as Guest of Honour.

Speaking on the occasion, RK Nimai pointed out that Shumang Leela is basically a performing art form through which current issues of the society are highlighted and make the people aware of the prevailing situation.

Lauding the initiative of AIR, Nimai observed that at a time when the people hardly get the time and money to watch a Shumang Leela performance, it is a good step that AIR, Imphal has come up with the idea of organizing the festival where people could come and enjoy Shumang Leela free of cost.

This would also help in development of this art form.

He noted that Shumang Leela has lost its presence in recent times and the signature tune of Dholak beats, which used to be originally performed at the start of Shumang Leela performance has disappeared.

It is very necessary to see and enjoy Shumang Leela in its purest form to keep alive art form.

M Kanankumar, Assistant Station Director, AIR, Imphal, said that when AIR, Imphal makes its listeners listen to the performance of Shumang Leela on Radio, there is always this feeling of something missing.

As such the AIR, Imphal is trying to record at least live performance of 14 Shumang Leelas in a year.

Moreover, because of huge amount of money involved in the production of Shumang Leelas, people of the state hardly get the chance to witness Shumang Leela performances, until and unless, it is sponsored by some rich businessmen, MLAs and Ministers or it is a Shumang Leela based on HIV and AIDS sponsored by MSACS.

It is high time that we discuss and understand why the Shumang Leela, a popular performing art form of the people, is loosing its touch with the people.

There is also the need to produce striking scripts, Directors and artist of this very popular art form, the ASD observed.

Further, he explained that the 10-day-long Akashvani Shumang Leela Festival is being organised under the Prime Minister's Special Package and it also includes recording of the event.

On the opening day of the festival today, artistes of Sanaleibak Nachom Artists' Association presented "Sanagi Ching" .

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