Manda Saikhom, popularly known as Manda Leima has been in the Manipuri film industry for over a decade entertaining people with various roles. She makes us laugh, cry and sad with each character she portrays. She always loved acting as a child inspired by her father Saikhom Babudhon Meitei popularly known as Saikhuba among his peers was a theatre artiste and writer. She rose to fame with her role in Lalashi Pal back in 2002; for which was loved and appreciated by the public. From then on, she have come a long way and unstoppable ever since. She is married to Salam Iboyaima Meitei with two children; a girl Marcy Salam Luwang and a boy Naojinglen Salam Luwang, yet she still hasn’t lost her charm maintaining a great body wooing the younger generations as well. She sits down to give a glimpse of her journey with her son playing besides us.
Q. To start off, how were you discovered and joined the film industry?
Manda: Well, I would say acting was always been in my gene as my father was always been a part of film and theatre. When the wave of digital film started to hit the film industry the theatre group decided to make a film and a member came to our place to invite my father for a Yaipha thouni thouram of that film which I received. I was a teenage back then and I jokingly asked if I could be in that film and he became more enthusiastic asking me to attend the said function and give a screen-test. I gave the screen-test and got selected for the lead role. It was ‘Mangluraba thawai’
Q. When did you get your breakthrough?
Manda: I got my breakthrough after three films when I got the film Lalashi Pal. That film made me recognised as an actor. I still remember my picture being published at the Poknapham newspaper front page, that topmost section where small titbits of news are carried. I felt wonderful!
Q. Lalashi Pal was really a very tragic movie, was it hard portraying that role, as a newcomer?
Manda: It was hard in the sense of me being a new comer, facing the camera and blending with different people but regarding acting, I wasn’t so scared. My father was always besides me helping me in acting. The scene which we shot was the song in which I cried a lot (LOL). That was taught before by (Oja) Subita.
Q. Did you expect Lalashi pal to that huge hit?
Manda: Yeah! To some extend I believe it would get that kind of attention it got because of many reasons; one would be the team as they were hard working and it was shot such that it could be projected in theatre. Another one would be the actor, (Da) Olen who was already a huge star with his digital film series Khongchat; so yes, I did have faith on it.
Q. What were the struggles that you faced during those days?
Manda: Ummm… struggle would be the kind of make – up we had to wear those days and the lack of costume designer.
Q. You married when you were at the peak of your career, and then you made a comeback, were you scared that you wouldn’t be able to make that impact as before?
Manda: Of course, I was scared (Laughs); not only me but the film makers as well. They were afraid to cast me in a just right away, for the fact that they might not be in par with my previous projects that I did before I took that break. I had to choose the script very carefully and when Kaboklei came my way, I knew I had to take this project as it was really good as well as challenging for an actor.
Q. Did you expect that you’d be able to continue on your career after marriage?
Manda: Yes, actually we talked regarding this matter before we got married. I was very clear with my decision that I would be an artist till I die and my husband supported me with all these decisions and supports me still; not only my husband but his family as well so I must say I am very fortunate and lucky.
Q. What is the secret to your versatility?
Manda: I try to take projects with different characters to improve myself. Then when I get the script, I try to live in the character as far as I can, I practice at home and wherever I can. I also study the characters through my surrounding and similar people that I encounter to bring alive the character in me.
Q. You had a big release this year, Soinairaba thamoi, did it live up to your expectation?
Manda: Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend the release function but I heard through people that it was a success. I wish I was there but I had to turn back at the last moment as my son got sick.
Q. What was the challenging part of taking that role in that film?
Manda: One of the most challenging parts was keeping the eye contact with the audience through the lenses of the camera. It was hard fixing my eye on one spot! I play a character which suffers from depression and going into that character was hard.
Q. What tips would you give for longevity as an actor?
Manda: First of all, one should be very sincere to themselves and their work, hard – working and a good character. Also I’d like add on taking serious of their work.
Q. Which film do you prefer working on – commercial flick or a serious drama?
Manda: I don’t know about which project will be commercially hit but I do take into consideration the type of role I am given. I don’t want to take the roles that I have played multiple times. I now want new and challenging roles. You know those roles which will reflect my hard work!
Q. What is the secret to your ageing gracefully?
Manda: I would give most of the credit to me being an artist because I always have a second thought whenever I start thinking of doing something which might harm my body. For instance when I am angry and want to skip a meal, I’d be having this thought like what if it affects my skin (LOL). And I maintain my body with my diet. I did tried gym but I didn’t find much effect on me.
Q. What reaction would you give if?
a. Have to work with someone you don’t like?
Manda: I will see that person as the character he/she is portraying.
b. Saw a false rumour about you?
Manda: No reaction at all (Haha)
c. Woke up as your husband
Manda: I’d probably have a great relaxing day!
Q. Have you ever taken your children to shoot?
Manda: I once took my daughter, Marcy while shooting for Kaboklei and she cried seeing me in that make – up. But they haven’t seen any of my films as yet.
Q. Any of your children interested to join the industry?
Manda: No, as of now.
Q. If they want to at some point, would you let them?
Manda: Of course, I would.
PC: Emi Wahengbam
Pandiraj Khagembam
RK Aribam
Sushil Tenz