Creativity of Manipuri artistes during the pandemic

Rajmani Ayekpam
Today’s world  is busy fighting Covid-19. It seems all the creative activities of mankind have come to a standstill. Because, to save a human life is far more important than any other day-today activity .  All the cinema and theatre halls are closed down to avoid spreading of coronavirus.  Film shooting and to organize a theatre production is hardly seen. Composition and tuning of few songs for organizing a musical nite or concert is nearly almost nil.  To organize  art exhibitions, fashion shows and any other programmes related with art  are things of the past.
Cable TV, Radio and internet are the sources to explore our creativity during this pandemic. Luckily, we see some of the creative works produced by our artistes of this small state during this pandemic. Music album and videos, short films, short clips of skits, many self organized reality shows on YouTube channels  are the best representations of creativity of our youth during this pandemic.
Though there is no big musical concert or Nite  during this pandemic the creativity of music composers and singers has not stopped. Many new music albums are produced and can be listened from the AIR Imphal’s Youth Times ‘Ngaikho Takhisi’ on Sangai Channel at 6.20 pm everyday. You will be surprised at such a large number of collection of musical albums coming up  during this pandemic. Some of them are of really high quality. Among them few are innovative ones. Few albums of fusion music, Matam Eshei (modern Manipuri song) with Manipuri folk music are the best products of this pandemic time. Even best composer may envy it.
Such music album (audio) may bring revolutionary change in the journey of Manipuri music. Youths of this age are not much interested in folk music. However, folk music is the identity of our rich cultural heritage. To lose folk music is the loss of our civilization.  On the other hand, folk music struggle to survive without the support of the people. Such kind of fusion music album can bridge between old and new. Such pseudo folk songs without touching its original tune but with modern lyric and modern suitable instrument can add more flavour  to these songs.
Music videos are also another highlight of creativity  during this pandemic. You can see few of such music videos on ISTV and Impact TV. Such music videos not only entertain but are also means for fighting Covid-19. Earlier, music videos mainly dealt with romance. Such kind music videos widen  horizon of concept of music video by the people.  The meaning of Art–Art for society sake is clearly seen in these music videos.
Pandemic time is the most fertile period for many short film makers of Manipur. Many short film makers of the State produced their best crops during this pandemic time and won many awards in online film festivals organized in many parts of the country as well as the world. Short films are generally low budget films and concentrate on strong thematic content. Feature films or big budget films are problematic for Manipuri film makers since its budget is limited. So, it’s difficult for many young film makers of the State to experiment.  They (young film makers) tried their luck in short films. On the other hand, many short film festivals are organizing online since its accommodation and space. ‘Panthougi Khong-gul’ (on the footprint of my father), ‘Makshillaba Mingshel’ (Tainted Mirror) etc. are few short films worth mentioning since they have won many awards and laurels at many prestigious film festivals online.  Moreover, short films are the best playgrounds for enthusiastic film makers during pandemic.
You have seen many comic stripes in YouTube during this pandemic time. Comic elements are the best curry for audience in any Shumang leela or films. During this pandemic period, Shumang leela or film artistes are going without any activity. On the other hand, financial crunch became a real challenge for survival. So, to earn income as well as to exercise their artistic potentials they develop many comic stripes and uploaded on YouTube. Audiences like these comic stripes and spend their time.
Many common peoples and celebrities like popular film stars of Manipuri film upload many reality shows of their personal life and other activities during this pandemic on YouTube. Few of them are concerned with cooking and a few are concerned with activities of their personal life and family. These are hot cheese for audiences. Such type of uploaded stripes not only populariize their image at the public platform but also a part of their income earning.
Many obituaries are seen in local newspapers on sudden demise of valued or celebrated personality during this pandemic time. Such obituary writers are experienced ones and they can attract attention of any common reader easily. On the other hand, such obituary writings not only glorify the valued personality but also develop a documentation of the State. In literature, obituary writings are widely regarded with much respect. So, any inexperienced writer doesn’t jump into such type of writing.  
Writers of this State do not sit idly during this pandemic time. Many books are coming up and getting published. Before, they did not get much time for writing as other activities took up their time. When they got much time, they wrote much. In the weekend literary column of the local newspapers, there are lot of literary products. You will find many books after pandemic.
Writers are also creative thinkers. From a writer’s product, any Shumang leela or drama or film begin with its creative journey. Though Manipur is good at theatrical performance it is poor in theatrical books. Many dramatists or writers are busy with new drama scripts or drama books during this pandemic time.
 I hope that a lot of new plays will be coming up when the pandemic is over. Manipuri films are also affected by the pandemic but this pandemic give more challenges to our cine writers. They have to think the fate of Manipuri cinema after post Covid-19. Shall Manipuri cinema survive after Covid ? Is problem of Manipuri cinema related with coronavirus ?
It is said that artistes are the torch bearers of any civilization. Without artistes contribution no State or country can be stand as a civilized society or country.