Imphal: Renowned entrepreneur, film exhibitor, distributor and Padma Shri awardee Thongram Haridas passed away at his Khagempalli residence here on Wednesday. He was 92.
Known for his patriotism, philanthropic activities and perfectionist work culture, Haridas is also recognized as the builder of one of the best cinema halls in the country. Quite a lot of people also acknowledged him as an inspirational force for others to work for their motherland.
Haridas was initiated into the world of cinema when he joined hands with the Laishram family and set up the Friends Talkies. Subsequently, he went his own way and established Usha Cinema in Paona Bazar and over time this cinema hall started doing brisk business, becoming one of the most popular cinema halls of Manipur.
Being a lover of motion pictures, Haridas wanted to establish the best cinema hall in Manipur. This motive led him to visit the best cinema halls of India and eventually established the Asha and the Jina Talkies in Imphal.
Besides being a film exhibitor, Haridas was also a successful English film distributor, distributing films of 20th Century Fox Pictures, Paramount Pictures, MGM Pictures etc to the cinema halls in entire northeast India.
Haridas’ passion for cinema went beyond exhibition and distribution, stepping into film production as well.
He produced ‘Khuthang Lamjel’, scripted & directed by GC Tongbra in 1979. Incidentally, Haridas, in an interview with Doordarshan Kendra Imphal, claimed he made a substantial financial contribution for the completion of the “Brojendrogee Luhongba,” the first Manipuri feature film by a Manipuri director, namely SN Chand.
He was awarded Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award in 1985 for his social work.
Manipur State Film Development Society, MSFDS, deeply mourned the demise of Padma Shri Thongram Haridas.
Sharing the grief of the bereaved family, MSFDS described Haridas as an active film promoter, delving into film exhibition, distribution and production, whose passing is an irreversible loss for the entire film community of Manipur, said a statement issued by Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, Secretary, MSFDS.
In honour of the departed soul, a 2-minute silence was observed at 5:30 pm, followed by a candlelight vigil at the Monolith of Manipuri Cinema at MSFDS complex, Konung Mamang, Imphal.
