Our Correspondent
Imphal, Jan. 9 (EMN): Theatre personality and noted playwright Padmashri Awardee Wareppa Naba breathed his last at a hospital in Imphal on Jan. 8.
He was 82 and he is survived by his wife, four sons and a daughter.
A resident of Haobam Marak Thingel Ngangom Leikai in Imphal West district, Wareppa Naba was given the prestigious Padmashri Award in 2017 for his contribution to the development and promotion of Shumang Kumhei and theatre culture.
He had directed more than 60 Shumang Leela-courtyard plays and written over 20 plays during his lifetime.
He was serving as the director a theatre group ‘Theatre Mirror’.
He was also a recipient of many other National and state awards and worked as Chairman of Manipur State Shumang Lila Council, Academic Sub-Committee and president of Theatre Centre, Manipur.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has mourned the demise of Naba Wareppa. On his Facebook page, N Biren wrote, "Aggrieved to learn about the demise of Padmashri Wareppa Naba who was a renowned theatre personality. I extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved family, and pray for the departed soul to rest in peace at the heavenly abode of Almighty God".