There’s no denying the fact that music is a vital component of Manipuri films. As a result, playback singers, whose voice actors lip-sync on screen, have long played a crucial role and continue to do so.
Since the inception of Manipuri films in 1972, Manipur has produced several talented playback singers. These singers have continued to win hearts and enchant listeners to this day.
One such legendary singer is Arambam Jamuna Devi, who currently resides at Sagolband Tera, Lukram Leirak in the Imphal West district.
Early Life:
Arambam Jamuna Devi was born on March 1, 1948, to Elangbam Ibohal Singh and Elangbam (O) Padam Devi. Under the guidance of her father, Elangbam Ibohal Singh, a renowned tabla artist, she started singing Bhajans at Trinath ceremonies at the age of 7.
Growing up, she further enhanced her skills by learning Hindustani classical music from Shri Chongtham Yaimbi Singh.
She also acted in numerous notable dramas from a young age, including ‘Nongdam‘, ‘Savitri Satyaban‘, ‘Yaithingkhonu‘, ‘Chaibi‘, and ‘Sija Laioibi‘.
Career:
At a very young age, Arambam Jamuna Devi became a founder member of Roop Raag, one of Manipur’s leading and oldest musical associations. There, she met renowned singers like Nongmaithem Pahari, under whose guidance she refined her singing skills and learned to sing light music.
Arambam Jamuna Devi came to the limelight when she lent her voice to the song ‘Chatli Chatli Mapham Khuding Eina‘ for the first Manipuri feature film ‘Matamgi Manipur‘, in the year 1972. As one of the two female singers in the film, Arambam Jamuna Devi shares the distinction of being Manipur’s first female playback singer, alongside Chongtham Kamala, another veteran singer.
After her first song for Matamgi Manipur, there was no turning back. She lent her voice to prominent actresses like Yengkhom Roma and Subadani in films such as Saphaabee (1976), Olangthagee Wangmadasoo (1980), and several others.
In total, she was the playback singer for four Manipuri films released between 1972 and 1980, and one unreleased film, ‘Ningol‘. Thus, she outperformed her contemporaries by singing the highest number of film songs during this period.
Some of her notable songs during this period are ‘Taningde Okchare‘ from Ngak E Ko Nangse (1974), ‘Khoyumgumna Saklotpa‘ from Saphabee (1976), and ‘Laklo Chatsi‘ from Olangthagee Wangmadasoo (1980).
Personal Life:
Arambam Jamuna Devi was married to Arambam Arunkumar Singh. In addition to her illustrious career as a playback singer, she has had a distinguished teaching career in music. She served as a Senior Lecturer at the Government Music College, Imphal, from which she retired in 2007.
Beyond her teaching career, Arambam Jamuna Devi has held various leadership roles. She was Vice President of the Teacher’s Association of the Government Music College and an executive member of the Manipur Dramatic Union (MDU). She also served as Vice President of Apunba Manipur Matam Isei Kanglup (AMMIK).
After retiring from these roles, Arambam Jamuna Devi established the ‘A. Jamuna Musical Institute‘ to promote music and support music enthusiasts. This institution will be affiliated to Bhat Khande, Lucknow.
Audio Cassettes:
In addition to her film work, Arambam Jamuna Devi has released numerous audio cassettes featuring her songs. Some notable examples include:
- Warouba Leite Kanadasu (Bindiya Productions)
- Thabum Tara (Th. Samo)
- Kainaragata Helli Nungshiba (Gomti Leima)
- Sai Wollo (E.P. Production)
- Nongdolthakki Thaja (Nandakumar Wangkheimayum)
- Sakthiba Pakhang, Lamgi Chekla, Phajabadi Mayamgini, and Yuridi, among others.
Film Awards:
Arambam Jamuna Devi has received several prestigious awards for her contributions to Manipuri cinema.
In 1984, she made history by becoming the first recipient of the Best Female Playback Singer award at the inaugural Manipuri Film Festival, organized by the Manipur Film Development Corporation Ltd. This honour was bestowed upon her for her soulful rendition in the film ‘Olangthagee Wangmadasoo‘.
Her achievements were further recognized in 1992, when Sana Leipak Film Production presented her with a certificate of appreciation for her invaluable contributions to the Manipuri film industry.
In 1996, the Manipur Film Development Corporation Ltd. awarded her a trophy and certificate on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Manipuri Cinema Celebration Day, acknowledging her enduring impact on the industry.
Other Accolades:
1991 – gold medal and certificate awarded by the Manipur Government State Level Committee in the Republic Day Celebration, in honour of her contribution to music.
1993 – awarded a certificate by the Rural Development Organization, Lamsang Bazar.
1996 – awarded a gold medal by the Manipur Government on the occasion of Manipur Statehood Day.
1996 – awarded a trophy and certificate in connection with the observance of the 29th Foundation Day Celebration of Manipur People’s Party (MPP).
2005 – awarded a certificate by the ‘Apunba Manipuri Matam Esei Kanglup’ (AMMIK).
2006 – awarded a certificate of honour by Choudhurimayum Naba Sharma on the occasion of ‘Ari Anou Langdaida Kaongamdraba Adungeigi Artists Singda Khudol Tamjaba’.
2012 – awarded a certificate of honour by ISTV production for participating in ‘Sanagi Korbakthakta‘.
2013 – awarded a trophy and certificate in the felicitation programme, for her contributions to ‘Roop Raag‘ organised by the Alumni Association of Dhanamanjuri College, Imphal.
2015 – awarded ‘Sangeet Ratna‘ (Matam Isei) by Manipur Sahitya Parishad.
2015 – ‘Lifetime Achievement Award‘ by Apunba Manipur Matam Ishei Kanglup (AMMIK).
2018 – awarded a trophy for the film ‘Matamgi Manipur’ on the occasion of the 9th Death Anniversary of Karan Manmohan Singh.
Arambam Jamuna’s name is indelibly etched in the annals of Manipuri playback singing history as one of the most prolific and iconic singers. Her captivating voice has transcended generations, and its allure will continue to enchant listeners for years to come.
Whether it’s the bubbly “Chatli Chatli Mapham Khuding Eina“, the melodious “Mapok Laangon Khudingda“, or the soul-stirring “Bidai gi Kallaba Cheinase“, Arambam Jamuna has consistently delivered outstanding performances, doing complete justice to her craft.
Her legacy will endure, and she will be fondly remembered for her remarkable contributions to Manipuri music.
Daniel Yumkham | Film Critic and Researcher
Passionate about history and Manipuri culture, Daniel shares film reviews and research on:
-Manipuri Cinema (Instagram : thefilmdiary )
-Regional History and Traditions.