Imphal | Veteran Manipuri filmmaker, music director and actor Oken Amakcham, a pioneering figure in regional cinema and recipient of the National Film Award, passed away on Sunday after a prolonged illness. He was 64.

The news of his demise was announced by Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, who paid tribute to the acclaimed filmmaker and described him as one of the most influential personalities in the history of Manipuri cinema.

Expressing grief in a message on social media, the Chief Minister said Amakcham’s contributions to filmmaking, music and the performing arts would continue to inspire future generations.

“His work and artistic legacy will endure for years to come,” Singh said while extending condolences to the bereaved family.

Born on March 1, 1962, at Kongba Kshetri Leikai in Imphal East district, Amakcham began his artistic career in theatre and performing arts after graduating from Dhanamanjuri College in 1981. He received training under several noted theatre practitioners and later pursued formal education in music, earning a Visharad degree from Bhatkhande Sangeet Vidyapeeth, Lucknow.

His entry into cinema came as an actor in Sanakhya Ibotombi’s 1986 film Iche Sakhi. However, it was his work behind the camera that established him as one of Manipuri cinema’s most respected creative voices.

Amakcham made his directorial debut with Khonthang (1992), a landmark film that was selected for the Indian Panorama section of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in 1993. The film later gained international exposure through screenings at various film festivals. National recognition followed with Mayophygee Macha (1994), scripted by renowned writer M.K. Binodini Devi. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Manipuri at the 42nd National Film Awards and remains one of the most celebrated works in the state’s cinematic history.

A visionary filmmaker, Amakcham played a crucial role in ushering Manipuri cinema into the digital age. In 2002, he directed Lammei, widely regarded as the first Manipuri video film to receive a commercial theatrical release, marking a significant turning point for the industry.

Over the course of his career, he directed several acclaimed films, including Cheina, Tellanga Mamei, Nungshithel, Aroiba Bidai, and Thajabagee Wangmada, many of which explored social issues, cultural identity and human relationships.

Beyond filmmaking, Amakcham remained actively involved in the development of Indian cinema. He served as a jury member of the 58th National Film Awards and held the position of Vice-Chairman of Film Forum Manipur, contributing to the promotion and growth of regional filmmaking.

A gifted musician as well, he composed music for many of his films and produced a number of biographical documentaries on distinguished theatre personalities, including Heisnam Kanhailal and Ratan Thiyam, helping preserve Manipur’s rich artistic heritage.

Amakcham is survived by his wife Jenita Amakcham and other family members.

His passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Manipuri cinema. Through his films, music and unwavering commitment to storytelling, Oken Amakcham helped shape the identity of contemporary Manipuri filmmaking and leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire artists, filmmakers and audiences for generations to come.