Soma Laishram, 31, is one of the most bankable actors in the Manipuri film industry. Yet, her popularity through more than 150 films, many of which have fetched her awards, did not stop a civil society organisation, the Kangleipak Kanba Lup (KKL), from “banning” her from acting in films and attending social functions for three years.
Ms. Laishram’s “fault” was that she participated in a fashion parade in New Delhi on September 16. In a statement, the KKL said that Ms. Laishram had defied a general request to celebrities in Manipur not to participate in entertainment events as long as the State burns. It said that the actor “showed disrespect to the Meiteis who have died” and to thousands of others who have been rendered homeless by the ethnic violence, which has claimed more than 175 lives since May 3.
Ms. Laishram defended her decision to participate in the festival saying it was “not for fun” and that it gave her an “opportunity as a professional actor and social influencer to speak up about the crisis in Manipur” on a platform offered by a non-profit organisation in India’s political hub.
