By Waikhom Chitradhani
Imphal(Manipur), July 12 : Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh condoled the demise of Popular film maker, Homen D’Wai through his social media accounts.
“Deeply saddened by the demise of renowned filmmaker Shri Homen D Wai. His films like ‘Yaiskul Pakhang Angaoba, ‘VDF Thasana, ‘Dr Yaima’, ‘Raja, etc were some of the greatest hits and loved by the people of Manipur. His contribution to Manipuri film industry will always be remembered. My sincere condolences to the bereaved family” Chief Minister said.
Popular Manipuri filmmaker, Homen D’Wai is the latest victim in the long list of film personalities who have fallen to COVID-19 shortly after the ravaging second wave of the disease struck Manipur since April-May.
According to Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Homen was suffering kidney ailments for a while, needing dialysis three times a month. On Saturday night, he lost consciousness and died at the hospital where he got dialysis done. He was also infected with COVID-19 virus . The 51- year -old filmmaker is survived by his wife and a nine-year-old daughter.
Manipuri State Film Development Society then said it deeply mourned the demise of the popular filmmaker.
“Homen D’Wai was one of the ‘new age’ filmmakers who started his film career under the guidance of the pioneering filmmaker, Kh. Ibohal Sharma,” said MSFDS.
Homen started by directing music videos to hone his storytelling craft, producing several hit singles. Subsequently, progressed onto directing feature films, churning out several super-hits. His ‘Ei Actor Natte’ bagged the Best Popular Film award at the recently held 13rd Manipur State Film Awards. Some of his other super-hits films include, “Mittrang Keithel, “Raja”, Yaiskul Pabhang Angaoba, (2012), “Dr. Yaima”, “VDF Thasana”, “Eidi Thamoi Pikhre” etc.
Sharing the grief of the bereaved family, MSFDS termed the “sad demise” of Homen D’Wai as a big loss for Manipuri cinema.
As a mark of respect and homage to the departed storyteller, candles were lit at the Manipuri Cinema Memorial at MSFDS complex at Palace Gate. “With Homen D’Wai’s passing the film community has lost ten of its personalities since the covid second wave,” MSFDS said .
