Rajkumari Hemabati
R.K. Hemabati | |
|---|---|
| Born | Rajkumari Hemabati 23 December 1954 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | Graduation, G.P. Women's College |
| Occupation(s) | Actress, Writer |
| Spouse | Haobam Priyokumar |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) | R.K. Sanatomba R.K. Ongbi Ngangbishija Devi |
Rajkumari Hemabati (born December 23, 1954), popularly known as R.K. Hemabati, is an Indian actress from Manipur, known for her roles in Manipuri films and theatre.[1][2][3] She gained early recognition for her performances as a lead actress in Manipuri cinema during the 1970s and later transitioned to character roles, particularly portraying maternal figures.[4][5][6] Hemabati is also a writer and radio drama scriptwriter, with decades of contribution to the arts in Manipur.[7][8]
Early life and education
[edit]R.K. Hemabati was born at Nongmeibung Wangkheirakpam Leikai, Imphal, Manipur to R.K. Sanatomba and R.K. Ongbi Ngangbishija Devi. She is the fourth of eight siblings. She completed her early education at Kongpal Mutum Leikai L.P. School and passed her matriculation from Ananda Singh Higher Secondary School in 1970–71. She graduated from G.P. Women's College in 1975. From a young age, Hemabati showed interest in the performing arts, including singing, dancing, and acting. Although she had a passion for singing, she did not pursue formal training.[7][8]
Personal life
[edit]Hemabati is married to Haobam Priyokumar. They have two children: a daughter and a son. The family resides in Kangabam Leikai, Imphal.[7][8]
Career
[edit]Hemabati made her film debut with Yairipok Thambalnu (1984), in which she portrayed the titular role. She went on to appear in several Manipuri celluloid films, including Khonjel, Khamba Thoibi, Meichak, Thamoinadi Kouhouri, Amambasu Anganbani and Aroiba Natte. Her first digital film was Thajabagee Wangmada (2004). One of her most memorable performances was in Thamoinadi Kouhouri, where she played a poor woman who suffers deep personal losses. The film, produced by Bright Films, remains one of her favorites.[7]
Although Hemabati began her career in films, she later joined the Manipur Dramatic Union (MDU) to improve her acting skills. She received training from various theatre instructors and performed in notable plays such as Khamba Thoibi, Sana Yaathang, Samajgi Langlen, Bir Tikendrajit and Puya Mei Thaaba. She has acted in over seven television plays, including Sambaldi Leihouri, Ipam Lamdam Lamnungsi, and Changyengduda. Apart from acting, Hemabati is also a writer. She has written poetry, short stories, and scripts for radio dramas. Her radio play Angouba Leichil was broadcast by All India Radio (AIR) Imphal. In 2005, she published a collection of 21 short stories titled Chekla Amadi Khonglembi.[8]
Outside her artistic career, she worked as an Inspector in the Economics and Statistics Department of the Government of Manipur. She joined the department in 1979 and retired in 2017. After her retirement, Hemabati undertook formal training in singing under noted artist Asem Bimola.[7]
Accolades
[edit]R.K. Hemabati was honoured with different titles at film awards and festivals.
| Award | Category | Film | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th RJ Film Vision Special Awards 2011 | Best Supporting Actress | – | Won | [9] |
| 7th SSS MANIFA 2018 | Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Female | Wakching Thagee Sanarei | Nominated | [10] |
Selected filmography
[edit]| Year | Title | Director | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Yairipok Thambalnu | Laimayum Banka Sharma | [11] |
| 1997 | Khamba Thoibi | Moirangthem Nilamani Singh | |
| 1998 | Meichak | Laimayum Banka Sharma | |
| 2004 | Thajabagee Wangmada | Oken Amakcham | [12] |
| Hi Sweety Hello Preety | Chan Heisnam | ||
| Lallibadi Eini | Khwairakpam Bishwamittra | ||
| 2005 | Laang | Moirangthem Inao | |
| Nangtana Helli | Oken Amakcham | [13] | |
| Laibakkee Chandan | O. Gautam | ||
| 2006 | Basantagee Nongallamdai | Tej Kshetri | [14] |
| Nakenthana Ngairi | Dinesh Tongbram | [15][16] | |
| Tellangga Mamei | Oken Amakcham | [17] | |
| Lakhipurgi Lakhipyari | L. Surjakanta | [18] | |
| Khuji | Romi Meitei | [19] | |
| Kaorage | Khwairakpam Bishwamittra | [20][21] | |
| 2007 | Meera Memcha | Mohendro | [22] |
| 2008 | Echan | Amar Raj | |
| Chumthang Makhong | Romi Meitei | [23] | |
| Liklaai | Pilu H. | ||
| Chatlabra Waarouna? | Khwairakpam Bishwamittra | ||
| Napaotani Taningliba | Ranabir Khoisnam | ||
| Ekhenglaktagi Red Rose | Romi Meitei | ||
| Nanaakta Asum Asum | Khwairakpam Bishwamittra | ||
| Udunata Leire | Suvas E. | ||
| Ningol Leima | Bijgupta Laishram | ||
| 2009 | Kaboklei | Pilu H. | [24][25] |
| Panthungee Wangmada | Yoimayai Mongsaba | ||
| Leikang Thambal | Tej Kshetri | ||
| Eigee Morambee | Rajen Leishangthem | ||
| Dharmagi Mingda Imagidamak | Romi Meitei | ||
| 2010 | Amamba Lambee | Oken Amakcham | [26] |
| 21st Century's Kunti | Joy Soram | ||
| Imphal Ningol | Bijgupta Laishram | ||
| Aabirkhan | Pilu H. | ||
| Thoudang | Romi Meitei | ||
| Saklon Amada | L. Surjakanta | [27][28] | |
| 2011 | Hanggam Maru Pokkhaibi | L. Surjakanta | |
| 2012 | Shangkhraba Machu | Birendra Salam | |
| Thoicha 2 | Jeetendra Ningomba | ||
| Phongdoknadringei | OC Meira | ||
| 2013 | Beragee Bomb | O. Gautam | [29] |
| Tokpa Landaage | Krishnand (Boji) Ningombam | ||
| Thabaton | Bijgupta Laishram | ||
| Chow Chow Momo na Haobara Shingju Bora na Oinambara | R.K. Jiten | [30] | |
| Thajagee Maihing | Romi Meitei | ||
| Lumfoo Tomba | Bimol Phibou | ||
| 2014 | Sanagi Tangbal | Bijgupta Laishram | [31] |
| Meerang Mahum | Ajit Ningthouja | [32] | |
| 2015 | Kum Kang Kum Kabi Chang | Khwairakpam Bishwamittra | [33][34] |
| Nungshit Mapi | Ajit Ningthouja | [35] | |
| 2016 | Tharo Thambal | Bijgupta Laishram | |
| Konggol | Ajit Ningthouja | ||
| 2017 | Ningtha | Homen D' Wai | |
| Iche Tampha | Bijgupta Laishram | [36] | |
| Itao Ibungo Nungsibee | Eepu | ||
| Mandalay Mathel | Khoibam Homeshwori | ||
| Wakching Thagee Sanarei | K. Bimol Sharma | [37] | |
| 2018 | Soinairaba Thamoi | Pilu H. | |
| Yotpi | Romi Meitei | ||
| Leichilda Pallaba Thaja | Pilu H. | ||
| 2019 | Wakchingi Len | Bijgupta Laishram | |
| Ichadi Manini | Geet Yumnam | ||
| 2022 | Ashira Punshi | Bijgupta Laishram | |
| Echa | Bijgupta Laishram | [38] | |
| 2024 | Leishna | Hemanta Khuman | |
| Una Una | Irel Luwang | [39] | |
| Taru Tarubi | Hemanta Khuman | [40] | |
| 2025 | Ningolgee Laibak | Kshetri Shanta |
References
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- ^ a b c d e Ngangbam, Amukhomba (2016-10-07). "Rendezvous with Manipuri Film Actress R.K. Hemabati | Manipur Times". Retrieved 2025-07-13.
- ^ a b c d "Interview with RK Hemabati 201102 - E-rang :: E-pao Movie Channel". e-pao.org. Retrieved 2025-07-13.
- ^ "5th RJ Film Vision Special award 2010 held at Rupmahal Theatre, Imphal :: 12th Feb 2011". e-pao.net.
- ^ "7th SSS MANIFA Manipuri Film Award: Complete Winners List". manipurpost.com.
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- ^ Angomcha Bimol Akoijam. "Manipuri cinema: Festival and beyond". e-pao.net.
- ^ "From celluloid to digital : Film maker fights on - Nakenthana Ngairi". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
- ^ Thokchom, Khelen (22 September 2006). "Video sounds death knell: Nakenthana Ngairi". The Telegraph. India. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
- ^ Khan, M. Nawaz (30 June 2014). "Growth of Manipuri Digital Films". Communication Today.
- ^ "Manipur film forges ties, sweeps awards - Lakhipurgee Lakhipyari shot in Cachar". Telegraph India.
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- ^ SAMIR K. PURKAYASTHA. "Stars blink as parties lose the script - Manipuri cinema may have enthralled local viewers but politicians remain non-committal". www.telegraphindia.com.
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- ^ "Manipur's homegrown script". The Indian Express. 15 April 2012.
- ^ "Nungshibee Ahing captivates Hojai's people". e-pao.net. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
- ^ NaNi. "Kaboklei: An attempt to show the inner human nature - eRang Reviews". e-pao.org.
- ^ PRADIP PHANJOUBAM. "Kaboklei Will Remain as One of the Rare 'Round Characters' in Manipuri Film's Exploration of Cinematic Styles". imphalreviews.in.
- ^ "Cinematographer Irom Maipak condoled". The Sangai Express.
- ^ "Manipuri film producer Guruaribam John Sharma dies". ukhrultimes.com. 14 October 2025. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
- ^ "Manipur film producer John Sharma no more, film society mourns". thenewsmill.com. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
- ^ "'Beragee Bomb' premiered with red carpet : 01st sep13 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
- ^ "Wild Flower performing at promotional show of 'Chow-Chow Momo na haobra, Singju Bora na oinambra" at Jalandhar, Punjab :: 13 October 2013". E-PAO.
- ^ "Sanagi Tangbal Premiere Show". www.kumhei.com. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
- ^ "Meerang Mahum : Premier Show at BOAT - Date :: June 29 , 2014". e-pao.net. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
- ^ "Film released". The Sangai Express. 2015-12-11. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
- ^ "Premier show of 'Kum Kang Kung Kabi Chang' | The Peoples Chronicle". Thepeopleschronicle.in. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
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- ^ "Film released". The Sangai Express. 2017-03-06.
- ^ "Scenes from 'Wakching Thagi Sanarei' - #1". e-pao.org. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
- ^ "Echa (2023) - Movie - Reviews, Cast & Release Date". in.bookmyshow.com. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
- ^ Navin Upadhyay (27 January 2025). "Imphal Film Festival Unveils Diverse Lineup with 57 Films, Showcasing Manipuri Classics". powercorridors.in.
- ^ Bit Irom (February 2025). "Manipur: Three Assamese films selected for 2nd North East India Film Festival". Northeast Now.