When one thinks of a lifestyle of an actor, one tends to assume the most luxurious and carefree one. However, in reality, it can be very different. Bala Hijam is one among the most humble personalities. On screen she is a diva but off-screen, she is as normal as anyone else.
Q. People knows you as Bala, the star but how would you describe yourself?
Bala: Like any other woman in mid 20s I am a student who loves cooking, listening to music, reading books mostly fictional and inspirational; Sophie Kinsella and Chetan Bhagat are my favourite authors.
Q. Have you always wanted to be an actor?
Bala: Nope! I never planned to be an actress since none of my family members was not related to the film industry whatsoever. I thought of growing up like any other teenagers; studying outside, finishing graduations and masters, I actually wanted to become a journalist. But life had different plans in-stored for me!
Q. How did your journey as an actor begin?
Bala: It all started when one of my uncles, Irom Maipak, a national awardee cinematographer gave me a role in the film of Oken Amakcham ‘Telanga Mamei’ as a child artist portraying the role as the younger sister of Olen, one of the famous actors of Manipur Film Industry. The film mesmerised me and I got attracted towards acting, film making, etc.
Q. What was your breakthrough project?
Bala: My debut music album ‘Ho leishabi’ alongside Soma Laishram and Prakash Soraisam under the direction of Amar Raj. Fortunately for me, it was a hit. Then came my debut film ‘Khangdreda Nongdamba’ with Kamala Saikhom, directed by Romi Meitei.
Q. What was your parents opinion regarding your choice of career?
Bala: My parents {(L) Hijam Biramangol Singh and Hijam Suniti Devi} were cool about it and supported me in whatever way they could. Not only me but they supported each one of us. We were raised with lots of pampering. However, there was a drastic change when our father left for the heavenly abode.
Q. What struggles did you face as an actor?
Bala: Initially I faced little struggle as I was young and living live as it comes. I did struggle but didn’t really felt it that time. It was all about actions and cuts! That struggling stage was with facing the camera and delivering my dialogue. I am facing the real struggle now!
Q. What difference do you feel while shooting for a music video and moviess?
Bala: A lot, actually! I feel that music video album is a bit easier than films for me; as music album is short and has to be in the character for short span of time. However, in films, I have to portrait a character for two hours or more.
Q. You even did a South Indian film, how was that as an experience?
Bala: ‘Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi’ was approach through a journalist working for ISTV network. I found out later that the film maker selected me through YouTube videos.
There was not much difference with the film industry here in Manipur except for some few differences in budget, equipment and market. And of course there was this language difference. I used to speak to the crews. At first they didn’t understand, eventually, they understood and gave me feedback! But yeah!! I had more trouble speaking Nagamese!”
Q. Do you get offers from bollywood?
Bala: Yeah! I did get but didn’t take!
Q. What is your weakness?
Bala: My only fear is that people might not like my work or the thought that I might do something wrong or hurtful haunts me a lot.
Q. How has been your experience so far?
Bala: It’s been almost 8 years since I joined the film industry and since then the progression is real slow. I joined with big hopes and dreams however I found that all might not be possible due to some inevitable circumstances. As for me, I have decided to take on lesser projects to give more concentration for a better quality work.
Q. Who would you give the credit for everything you’ve become and achieved till date?
Bala: I would give credit to myself first for having that will to do what I love. I believe that even though people may support me and push me into the path I like; I wouldn’t have achieve anything if I don’t have the will and faith in myself. Secondly I will give the credit to my family who supported me endlessly. Then to my senior colleagues who taught me about the films and acting. And the most importantly, my well wishers who supported me throughout me journey until now as an actor.
Q. One of the most cherished roles!
Bala: That would be my role ‘Luhongbagi ahing’ as a woman. Also I would like to add my roles in ‘Yaiskul pakhang angaoba’, ‘Delhi mellei’ and ‘Tamoyai gi ibecha’.
Q. One word of advice you always carry with you?
Bala: ‘Do good to others, be good to others, always do what is right, then nobody can question you!’ my mom gave me that advice.
Q. Who is your role model?
Bala: My parents and the love they share
Q. Lastly, a word of advice and a message to your well wishers
Bala: Work hard toward your dreams and passion with family’s support and should be mentally prepared. To my well wishers, I would like to ask you all to keep supporting me. Instead of giving negative comments on social media, I would like to encourage positivism.
The Personage 