Maya Choudhury
Maya Choudhury | |
|---|---|
 Maya Choudhury in 2020 | |
| Born | |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1997-present |
| Spouse | Laishram Manikanta |
| Parent(s) | Ch. Somorjit Sharma Ch. Ongbi Sanahanbi Devi |
Maya Choudhury is an Indian actress who appears in Manipuri films.[1] She received her career's first Best Actress nomination at the Prag Cine Awards 2025 for her role in the 2024 film Oneness, which is the first Manipuri film to explore same-sex relationships.[2][3]
Some of her notable films are Basantagee Nongallamdai trilogy, Lambidudei, 21st Century's Kunti, Tomthin Shija, Imoinu, Pandam Amada and Oneness. [4][5]
Career
[edit]In 1998, Maya Choudhury made her acting debut in the celluloid film Meichak, directed by Laimayum Banka Sharma. Later that year, she participated in Miss Manipur 1998, where she was placed 2nd runner-up, winning 5 other subtitles. It was then followed by two other celluloid films before she got married. [4]
She made her comeback to acting after marriage with films like Basantagee Nongallamdai and Kunti, for which she credited her husband and family for their support. [4]
Maya's comeback in the industry is marked by Leikhamton and supporting roles in films like Imoinu, Tomthin Shija, Hiyai,[6] and Pandam Amada, while the latter was selected for the 18th International Dhaka Film Festival 2019, the 18th Third Eye Asian Film Festival 2019, Mumbai, and the Tokyo Lift-Off Film Festival 2020.[7]
In 2024, Maya Choudhury appeared as a protagonist playing the role of Anna Martin in the film Oneness, directed by Priyakanta Laishram, which is the first Manipuri film to explore same-sex relationships. [1][8][9] The film made its world premiere at South Asia's biggest queer film festival, KASHISH Pride Film Festival 2024, Mumbai[10] and later got official selections and screened at the 14th Bangalore Queer Film Festival 2024,[9] the 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival 2025,[11] and the 2nd Northeast India Film Festival Manipur 2025.[12] The film also got recommendations from Elle Magazine and Mid-Day.[13][14]
Upon release, Maya got critical acclaim for her performance as Anna Martin. The Sangai Express praised her performance, writing that she "delivers one of her most powerful performances in ONENESS."[15] Daniel Yumkham penned, "Maya Choudhury shines as another stand out star of the film, delivering outstanding performances throughout." and stating that, "This performance is arguably the best of her career."[16] E-Pao praised her performance, writing, "Maya's portrayal is both subtle and impactful, capturing the essence of a mother's love and resilience."[17]
In an interview with The Asian Age, Maya commented, "I've been doing films for more than two decades. But for the first time, this film (Oneness), which is also based on a true story, stirs up the deepest feelings in my heart."[5]
At the Prag Cine Awards 2025, she earned her first Best Actress nomination in her 25-year acting career for her role as Anna Martin in Oneness.[2]
Accolades
[edit]| Award | Category | Film | Result | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prag Cine Awards 2025 | Best Actress - Northeast | Oneness | Nominated | [2] [18] |
Selected filmography
[edit]| Year | Film | Role | Director |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Meichak | Lata | L. Banka Sharma |
| 1999 | Aroiba Bidaai | Thadoi | Oken Amakcham |
| 2003 | Thajabagee Wangmada | Sarju | Oken Amakcham |
| 2004 | Panthungeedara Nungshiba | Asha | Diya Khwairakpam |
| 2005 | Nangtana Helli | Monika | Oken Amakcham |
| Mr. Lakhipyari | Radha | Homen D' Wai | |
| 2006 | Eigi Salini Ma'am | Salini Thapa | Vir Bhadra Yumnam |
| Basantagee Nongallamdai | Sarla | Tej Kshetri | |
| 2008 | Liklaai | Liklaai | Pilu H. |
| 2009 | Lonthoktabagee Wari | Leihao | Diya Khwairakpam |
| Utaangbi | Radha | Romi Meitei | |
| 2010 | Imphal Ningol | Leibaklei | Bijgupta Laishram |
| Piranglakta Manglan Ama | Dr. Chongnu | Khangembam Kuleswar | |
| Lambidudei | Dr. Linthoi | K. Bimal Sharma | |
| Kanadano | Lingjel's sister | I.S. Gurung | |
| Saklon Amada | Memthoi | L. Surjakanta | |
| Meiree Natte Liklani | Lanjenbi | Amar Raj | |
| Ahing Mamei | Leima | Bimol Phibou | |
| Oooh...! The Great - Thawangee Purnima | Purnima | L. Prakash | |
| 21st Century's Kunti | Rajlakshmi | Joy Soram | |
| Nungshibee Takhellei | Linthoi | Amar Raj | |
| 2011 | Mellei Leishna Thariktha | Leishna | Amar Raj |
| Momon Meenok | Thariktha | Ksh. Kishorekumar | |
| Fried Fish, Chicken Soup and a Premiere Show | Herself | Mamta Murthy | |
| 2014 | Leikhamton | Leikham | Tej Kshetri |
| 2015 | Imoinu | Leimarembi | Bijgputa Laishram |
| Shajik Thaba | Sanarembi's mother | Ojitbabu Ningthoujam | |
| 2017 | Tomthin Shija | Dr. Ayingbi Shija | Bobby Haobam |
| 2018 | Hiyai | Leima | Herojit Naoroibam |
| 2019 | Pandam Amada | Yaiphabi | O. Gautam |
| 2020 | Aronba Wari | Yaiphabi's mother | OC Meira |
| 2022 | Imoinu 2 | Leimarembi | Bijgupta Laishram |
| Laija Lembi | Tampha | Sudhir Kangjam | |
| 2024 | Oneness | Anna Martin | Priyakanta Laishram |
| Khomlang Laman | Tampha's mother-in-law | OC Meira |
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Making Of 'ONENESS': Manipur's First-Ever Flick On Same-Sex Relationship". The Frontier Manipur. 23 April 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
- ^ a b c "Manipuri Film 'Oneness' Earns Four Nominations at Prag Cine Awards Northeast 2025". Imphal Times. 15 February 2025. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ "Priyakanta Laishram "ONENESS" is all set to reveal the invisible crime of Gay Honor Killing (Manipur's first Gay themed movie)". India Today NE. 10 December 2021. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
- ^ a b c "Maya Choudhury". The Personage. 29 April 2018. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
- ^ a b ""For The First Time, This Film Stirs Up The Deepest Feelings In My Heart" - Maya Choudhury About Working In 'Oneness'". The Asian Age. 19 August 2023. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ "Manipuri film Hiyai screened at DU's north campus". The Times of India.
- ^ "Manipuri film Pandam Amada selected for Asian Festival". The News Mill. 12 December 2019. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
- ^ Roy, Esha (25 April 2022). "A Manipur film tackles sexual identity for first time". The Indian Express. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
- ^ a b "Oneness to premiere at Bangalore Queer Film Fest". The Sangai Express. 17 August 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ "Priyakanta's 'Oneness' steals spotlight at Pride Film Fest". The Sangai Express. 21 May 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ "State gears up for 2nd EIIFF". The Sangai Express. 31 January 2025. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ "Three Assamese Films Selected For Screening At 2nd North East India Film Festival In Manipur". The Sentinel. 1 February 2025. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ "From Kaathal to La Vénus d'Argent, Here Are 8 Films To Watch Out For At The Kashish Pride Film Festival This Year". ELLE. 15 May 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ "10 feature films to watch out for at KASHISH Pride Film Festival 2024". 13 May 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ "ONENESS: A landmark in Manipuri cinema breaks barriers". The Sangai Express. 9 August 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ ""Oneness" : A Film Review". Manipur Wiki. 17 December 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ "Oneness - A Brave, Pioneering Triumph in Manipuri Cinema". E-Pao. 20 December 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ "Priyakanta Laishram wins Best Director Northeast at Prag Cine Awards 2025 for ONENESS". Imphal Times. 10 March 2025. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
External links
[edit]- "MAYA CHOUDHURY On Manung Hutna 14 July 2018" – via YouTube.
- "Coffee with TOM - Maya Choudhury: Episode 150 (Anchor: Jolly)" – via YouTube.