Propose awarding Dada Saheb Phalka to legendary filmmaker, Aribam Syam Sharma
Date : Imphal, 18th July 2022 :: Film Forum Manipur

To,
Shri Anurag Singh Thakur
Hon’ble Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting
A-Wing Shastri Bhawan, Room No. 560
New Delhi -110001
Email: [email protected]

Subject: - Dadasaheb Phalke Award for legendary Manipuri filmmaker, Shri Aribam Syam Sharma, on the milestone of 50 years of Manipuri Cinema (1972-2022)

Hon’ble Sir,

Greetings from Film Forum Manipur, the apex film body of the state of Manipur, with 17 different film bodies of Manipur affiliated to it.

Sir, Manipuri Cinema has recently lapsed 50 years of being, having released the first Manipuri feature film on 9th April 1972. This milestone was observed as a yearlong celebration by the Govt. of Manipur with active support from the Directorate of Film Festivals of your ministry. On behalf of the creative fraternity and people of Manipur, I propose you to consider Aribam Syam Sharma to be honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honour for Indian Cinema. This humble proposal would be a fitting tribute to Manipuri Cinema on the eventful year of 2022 (1972 -2022).

I take privilege to say that Manipuri Cinema has made indelible mark in the country’s film history. Credit for this milestone is largely due to Shri Aribam Syam Sharma for his brilliance and dedication in creating masterpieces that have moved international audience, furthering the growth of Indian Cinema as a whole. Beside his films, Aribam has also been the force to install an ecosystem for growth of committed filmmakers and technicians in the state of Manipur.

Aribam Syam Sharma is the ground breaking doyen of Manipuri cinema who has been working relentlessly in portraying the cultural and emotional nuances with a humanitarian vision through cinematic storytelling with utmost simplicity and distinctive artistic signature.

He is the lighting lamp of creative Manipur, as one of the great masters, who has put the Indian Cinema into the global discourse through his five decades of cinematic excellence making the native essence of life as an immersive experience beyond the regional cultural boundaries. His body of work speaks volume, diversity and quality and unique expressions through motion pictures. Aribam is one of the most prolific artists who also have given the voice to the indigenous ways of life and wisdom.

At the time of celebrating Atmanirbhar Bharat, it would be befitting to recognize individuals who have been advancing the cultural identity of the under-represented communities and their incredible artistic achievements. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Aribam Syam Sharma would also help bridge the cultural gap and integrate Manipur/ North East emotionally with the national ethos.

It would be highly appreciated, if the great Aribam Syam Sharma is considered for the highest award of Indian cinema to help cinema spread as a voice.

Looking forward to your kind and appropriate action.

Sincerely,
(Laimayum Surjakanta Sharma)
Chairman, Film Forum Manipur

Copy to: -
1) Shri Apurva Chandra, Secretary to HMIB
A-Wing Shastri Bhawan, Room No. 655-A
New Delhi -110001
[email protected]

2) Shri Jayant Sinha, Addl. Secretary to HMIB
A-Wing Shastri Bhawan, Room No. 549
New Delhi -110001
[email protected]

3) Ms Neerja Sekhar, Addl. Secretary to HMIB
A-Wing Shastri Bhawan, Room No. 649
New Delhi -110001
[email protected]

4) Shri Vinay Kaushal, Private Secretary to HMIB
A-Wing Shastri Bhawan, Room No. 560
New Delhi -110001
[email protected]

5) Shri Chaitanya Prasad,
Additional Director General Directorate of Film Festivals,
[email protected]

6) Ms. Indrani Bose,
Deputy Director ,
Directorate of Film Festivals,
[email protected], [email protected].