Manjoo Aelangbam

🪔 About

Manju Elangbam is a prominent Indian classical dancer specializing in Manipuri dance, born into a family deeply rooted in cultural traditions. He is the grandson of the late Guru Elangbam Anganghal Singh, a revered figure in Sankirtana and Cholom, whom Manju considers his Adi Guru. Although initially pursuing a career in medicine, a pivotal encounter with Professor K Jatindra Singh in New Delhi redirected his path towards dance. He subsequently enrolled at Visva Bharati University in Santiniketan, where he earned a Bachelor in Music (Manipuri Dance and Hindustani Music) in 2006 and a Master in Music (Manipuri dance) in 2008, topping his class in both. He further completed a PhD in Manipuri dance. Elangbam is recognized as an A-Grade artist nationally and has performed extensively as both a soloist and group artist across India and internationally in countries such as South Korea, France, New Zealand, Cyprus, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Thailand. He is particularly known for his portrayal of Lord Krishna in Raas Leela performances. Beyond traditional performances, he actively engages in contemporary dance, collaborating with international artists like Yoshiko Chuma (USA) and Choy Ka Fai (Singapore). His choreographic works include "Sayon Taret" and "Leisem Nongsem". Currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Dance in Chandigarh, Elangbam has a rich teaching background, having conducted master classes and served as a visiting guest teacher at institutions globally, including the Conservatory Edgar-Varese of Gennevilliers in Paris and the Company La Dance Qui Chante. He was also a jury member for the "Kala Utsav 2015" in Dance. His contributions to the art form have been acknowledged with the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar in 2018 for Manipuri dance, and the Manipur State Kala Award (Young), alongside a national scholarship for Manipuri dance from the Ministry of Culture. Awards & Honours: Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (2018), Manipur State Kala Award (Young), National scholarship for Manipuri dance from the Ministry of Culture.