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 Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi (June 1, 1935 - June 29, 2025)- Dr. Sinam Basu Singhe-mail: sinambasu@gmail.com Photos courtesy: Family of Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi July 8, 2025  A great loss for the world of dance (Manipuri), Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi expired on 29th June 2025. Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi was a celebrated Manipuri classical dancer known for her profound contributions to the art form over five decades. Her work primarily focused on enriching and promoting Manipuri classical dance, including traditional forms like Raas Leela, Lai Haraoba, and tribal folk traditions. She was revered for her graceful artistry, intricate hand gestures (mudras), devotional storytelling, and her unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting Manipuri dance both nationally and globally as a performer and a teacher. 
Oja Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi was born on June 1, 1935 at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai, Imphal West, Manipur, daughter of Thiyam Iboton Singh and Thiyam Ongbi Tombimacha Devi to a family of artistes. She started her career as a child artiste of the Aryan Theatre, Imphal and played the role like Modhuchandra in 'Bhagyachandra' and acted in the subsequent plays like 'Chandraketu', 'Ningol', 'Thaballei', 'Laba Kush', 'Tonu Laijinglembi', 'Shija Laioibi etc. She was associated with 'Nrityashram,' the pioneer Manipuri dance institute established in 1950 by Guru Yambem Mahabir Singh from its inception. Suryamukhi learned Manipuri dance under the guidance of Guru Maisnam Amubi Singh, Yambem Mahabir Singh, Haobam Atomba Singh, Amudon Sharma, Kh. Lokeshwar, A. Yaimabi, Th. Babu Singh. She trained in contemporary dance under the notable choreographers like Apunikarta, Prabhat Ganguli and Narendra Sharma. She also received training in Chhau dance of Mayurbhanj from Guru Krishnachandra Naik. As an artiste of Nrityashram, she first performed her Manipuri solo dance item “Abhimanyu” at Bharatiya Kala Kendra, Delhi in 1953. She also visited countries like USSR, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Sweden, and Switzerland in 1954 and in 1956 she visited China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Hong Kong with Indian cultural delegation. From 1957 to 1960, she worked at Little Ballet Troupe, Mumbai, and performed in various countries like France, UK, South America, Tunisia, Holland, Scotland, Morocco etc.    Under the guidance of Guru Amubi Singh, she performed 'Chitrangada' dance drama as a part of Tagore Centenary Celebrations in 1961 at Talkotara Camp at Delhi, organized by Sangeet Natak Akademi. In 1967 the SNA, New Delhi, organized the 'Geeta Govinda' celebrations at Delhi in a grand way with seminar and cultural events. On the request of SNA, Guru Maisnam Amubi Singh choreographed a 55-minute dance drama 'Khandita' of which 'Dasa Avatar' is an integral part, performed by Suryamukhi Devi. As requested from Little Ballet Troupe, Gwalior, she again joined the troupe in1968 and continued to give performances at different venues in India and abroad. In 1968, she participated as a member of a cultural troupe at Mexico Olympics and toured USA, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia etc. The 'Ballet Unit' of Jawaharlal Nehru Dance Academy changed into 'Production Unit' and it became the famous performing repertory in India. She was the Senior Production Assistant of the Unit. So far, the Production Unit of JNMDA has produced more than 30 ballets in Manipuri style. In most of the ballets, she played the major roles and worked as an Assistant choreographer. The following roles may be mentioned - Hanubi in 'Kabui Keioiba', Khamnu in 'Thoibi', Chingu Khongnangthaba in 'Mangsat', Muslim girls in 'Cheitanya Mahaprabhu', Jatila in 'Radha Shakti', Sangai in 'Keibul Lamjao' etc. The ballet 'Keibul Lamjao' featured in 5th London International Festival of Theatre and bagged five merit awards. Its film version 'Sangai-Dancing Deer of Manipur' is also very famous and bagged many awards.  Suryamukhi was a part of SPICMACAY since 1986 and has given a number of lec-dems in various institutions in India. SPICMACAY had requested her to be Guru for Guru-Sishya Parampara and many students from different parts of the country came and stayed at her house to study Manipuri dance for a month.  Suryamukhi Devi has composed a number of Manipuri solo dances; among them are - Basanta Varnan, Sakhi Ukti, Yasoda, Dooti Sambad etc. For her tireless contribution to Manipuri dance, she has been adorned with various awards like State Kala Akademi Award in 1985, Manipur Sahitya Parishad's Nritya Bhushan 1999, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 2003, Guru Tarunkumar Sanman 2009 and Padma Shri Award 2025.   Dr. Sinam Basu Singh, Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva awardee and 'Top' Grade Artiste by Prasar Bharati, New Delhi, is a Manipuri classical dancer, choreographer and teacher. Post your comments Please provide your name and email id along with your comment. All appropriate comments posted with name and email id in the blog will also be featured in the site. |
