AKHAM LASHMI DEVI

🪔 About

Akham Lakshmi Devi, a distinguished exponent of Manipuri dance, was born on May 1, 1952, in Imphal, Manipur, India. Her journey in Manipuri dance began at the tender age of six at the erstwhile Manipur Dance College, now known as the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA), where she earned her Nrityacharya in 1968. She received intensive training from revered gurus including Padma Shri Guru Amubi Singh, Padma Shri Guru H Tomba Singh, Guru Amuyaima, and Guru Th Babu Singh, who were instrumental in shaping her into a leading artiste in Manipuri Dance. Akham Lakshmi Devi served as a senior artiste in the production unit of JNMDA from 1979 to 2012, where she played pivotal roles in numerous dance-drama productions such as 'Keibul Lamjao', 'Ramayan', 'Lei Langba', 'Moirang Sha', and 'Geet Govinda'. Her performances, both classical solo and Manipuri duet, have captivated audiences across India and internationally, with tours to countries including Russia, London, France, South Africa, the erstwhile USSR, UK, China, Korea, and Sri Lanka. She is particularly acclaimed for her solo performances in the Lasya style of Manipuri dance. Beyond performing, Akham Lakshmi Devi has contributed to the art form by participating in and working as a dance artiste in documentary films like 'Meetei Poong' and acting in 'Sangai'. She is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Manipuri dance, regularly conducting workshops and training camps to nurture the next generation of dancers. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (Dance) (2018), Manipur State Kala Akademi Award (Classical Manipuri Dance) (2010), Nritya Bhusan by Manipuri Sahitya Parishad (2014), 'TOP' Grade Classical Manipur Dance DDK Delhi (2012), Recognised as a panel Artiste of ICCR, New Delhi, India, Recognised as a panel Artiste of EZCC, Calcutta, India.