Rashi Leima, Iconic Star of Manipur’s First Film ‘Matamgi Manipur’, Passes Away at 75

She performed in over 150 radio plays and continued to grace the theatre with her powerful presence for decades.

Kshetrimayum Rashi, better known by her stage name Rashi Leima, passed away on Friday at the age of 75, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that laid the foundation for Manipuri cinema. As the actress of Matamgi Manipur (1972), the state’s first full-length feature film, Rashi Leima became a household name and a pioneering figure in the region’s film and theatre history.

Born in March 1950, Rashi Leima grew up under the artistic influence of her mother, Rasamani Devi, who introduced her to the world of performing arts. In September 1969, she made her stage debut at Aryan Theatre in Imphal, portraying the legendary Rani Gaidinliu in the play Jadonang. Her powerful performance received high praise from Gaidinliu herself, launching her into the spotlight and paving the way for a long and celebrated career.

Rashi Leima began her cinematic journey with Matamgi Manipur in 1972 and went on to act in many landmark films that helped shape Manipuri cinema. She delivered unforgettable performances in Lamja Parshuram (1974) and Olangthagee Wangmadasoo (1979), where her role as a widow left a lasting impact on audiences.

In 1981, she portrayed a stepmother in Imagi Ningthem, a film that gained international recognition. The film became the first Indian production to win the prestigious Grand Prix Award at the Festival of Three Continents in Nantes, France, putting Manipuri cinema on the global map.

Rashi Leima seamlessly transitioned into digital-era films, breathing life into characters in titles such as Meera Memcha, Eidi Thamoi Pikhre, Eewai and many others. Beyond the screen, she also brought her talent to radio and stage. She performed in over 150 radio plays and continued to grace the theatre with her powerful presence for decades.

Her extraordinary contributions to the arts received wide recognition. In 2014, she received the Neta Irawat Leelaroi Lifetime Achievement Award. Later, in 2020, the Manipur State Film Development Society honoured her with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 13th Manipur State Film Awards.

With her passing, Manipur has lost a trailblazer whose artistry, voice, and vision helped build the very foundation of its film industry. Rashi Leima’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of Manipuri artists and film lovers.

Also Read: CM Biren Singh inaugurates year-long Golden Jubilee celebration of Manipuri Cinema

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