Imphal: Prominent writer on Manipuri cinema and recipient of Swarna Kamal, the national award for Best Film Critic, R.K. Bidur succumbed to post Covid complications at JNIMS Wednesday. He was 80.
He is survived by his wife.
Rajkumar Bidur was born at Nongmeibung Wangkheirakpam Leikai.
Not only one of the best film critics in India, RK Bidur was the founder-president of the Manipur Film Journalist/Critics Association (MFJCA). He was also a life member of the Cultural Forum, Manipur. He was the editor of ‘Ritu’, a literary magazine published by the Cultural Forum for two times, from 1974-76 and 1976-78.
On his sudden and sad demise, a heartfelt condolence meeting was held online led by Cultural Forum president Prof. Huirem Bihari Singh on Wednesday.
Terming the demise of the eminent film personality as irreplaceable, Manipur State Film Development Society, MSFDS, deeply mourns the loss of R.K. Bidur.
The Society described R.K. Bidur as an Encyclopaedia of Manipuri cinema, whose passing is a huge loss for Manipuri Cinema.
Bidur’s active participation in the film society movement, his brilliance in critiquing the intricacies of the cinematic art and his personal knowledge of the journey of Manipuri cinema made him a staunch promoter of regional cinema especially the Manipuri film movement, said a statement issued by Sunzu Bachasmatimayum, secretary, MSFDS.
In his fond memory and as a mark of respect for his invaluable contribution to Manipuri cinema, a candlelight memorial was held at the Manipuri Cinema Memorial erected at MSFDS complex, Palace Gate by the film community of the state.
Altogether six film personalities including R.K. Bidur, Dr. Thiyam Suresh Singh, Irom Maipak, Hem Athokpam, Sagolsem Romio Meitei and Em Kay Jeet, have lost their lives during the pandemic so far.
