Imphal, January 30: Eminent Manipuri theatre and film actor RK Hemabati Devi has been selected for the A. Thangjam Birachandra and Thangjam Ongbi Maipakpi Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award of Culture 2026, in recognition of her outstanding and enduring contribution to Manipuri arts and culture.
 |
| RK Hemabati Devi |
The award was announced jointly by Ipak Films Production, Manipur and Jaideep Memorial Foundation. The honour will be conferred during the 2nd National Youth Cultural Festival 2026, scheduled to be held on February 11, 2026, at the Palace Auditorium, Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Palace Compound, Imphal. The theme of the festival this year is “Cultural Ethos of Youths for Peaceful Co-existence.”
RK Hemabati Devi is widely regarded as one of the most respected figures in Manipuri theatre and cinema, with a career spanning several decades. Known for her powerful stage presence and nuanced performances, she has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Manipuri cultural expressions through theatre and film, inspiring generations of artistes in the state.
Alongside the Lifetime Achievement Award, the organisers also announced the recipients of the National Youth Cultural Awards 2026, honouring young and accomplished artistes from Manipur and neighbouring states across diverse fields such as folk music, dance, theatre, film acting, martial arts and public performance.
ALSO READ: Manipur Congress Chief Slams Government Over Delay in IDP Resettlement
The selected awardees include Mayanglambam Mangka (Folk Singer), Benita Laishram (Folk Performer), Sonia Samjetsabam (Film Actor), Asha Singha (Manipuri Dance, Tripura), Jaya Khundrakpam (Classical Manipuri Dance), Th. Sanjana Singha (Folk Dance, Assam), Songthu James Koireng (Theatre), Mutum Herojit Singh (Martial Arts) and Loitongbam Barashyam Singh (Public Performer).
The organisers stated that the festival aims to celebrate cultural excellence while encouraging youth participation in safeguarding India’s diverse cultural heritage. The Lifetime Achievement Award to RK Hemabati Devi, they added, stands as a tribute to a life dedicated to art, culture and the creative spirit of Manipur.
