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{{Contains special characters|Meitei}}

'''OC Meira''', also known as '''Oinamcha Meira''' ''({{Script|Mtei|ꯑꯣꯏꯅꯥꯝꯆꯥ ꯃꯩꯔꯥ}}, born 19 August 1977),'' is an Indian filmmaker, journalist, and creative writer from [[Manipur]]. He is known for directing several [[Meitei language]] short and feature films and for his involvement in [[Meitei literature]] and journalism.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=OC Meira Oinamcha Meira Film Director Profile - E-rang :: E-pao Movie Channel|url=https://e-pao.org/erang/Crews/OC_Meira_Oinamcha_Meira_Film_Director_Profile.php|access-date=2025-11-05|website=e-pao.org}}</ref>

== Early life and family ==

OC Meira was born on 19 August 1977 in Chana Mayai Leikai, [[Imphal East]], Manipur.
His father is Oinam Lukhoi (also known as [[Chana Lukhoi]]) and his mother is Oinam Ongbi Nungthinchaibi (also called Chana Lembi).
He is married to Rajkumari Vijaya Sana, and they have a child named Lucent Oinam.<ref name=":0" />

Meira’s father, Chana Lukhoi, was a well-known artist in [[Shumang Leela]] (traditional Meitei courtyard theatre). Many famous artists who performed roles such as Jagat Singh, Bira Singh, Abirkhan, and Cheitei visited their home to learn from his father. As a young boy, Meira often watched these artists perform and imitated their actions with his friends, which inspired his early interest in theatre and performance.<ref name=":0" />

=== Education ===

OC Meira completed a Master of Arts (MA) in [[Manipuri literature|Manipuri]] from Assam University, [[Silchar]].<ref name=":0" />

=== Early interests ===

In his youth, Meira actively took part in local functions, skits, and community programs. He was often involved in organizing games like tambola, making announcements in public programs, and helping in local events. His regular presence in community activities helped him develop skills in performance and communication.<ref name=":0" />

=== Early career ===

Before becoming a filmmaker, Meira explored different artistic and cultural activities. He worked as a priest for the [[Meitei community]], performed in [[Wari Leeba]] storytelling programs, wrote prose and poems, worked as a journalist, drew artistic sketches, wrote song lyrics, and acted in plays and [[Shumang Leela]] performances.<ref name=":0" />

Despite trying many fields, Meira eventually chose filmmaking and writing as his main professions.<ref name=":0" />

== Journalism and literary work ==

Meira has been active in Manipuri journalism and [[Meitei literature|literature]].<ref name=":0" />

=== Editorial work ===

* Editor-in-Chief – IPAK (monthly Manipuri journal)

* Editor – Ngaklou (Manipuri literary journal)

* Former Editor – Manipuri (journal of Assam University)

* Board Member – Neinarol (Manipuri literary journal)

* Former Sub-editor – Matamgi Yakairol (Manipuri daily newspaper)<ref name=":0" />

=== Published books ===

* Ayukki Atiya (poems, 2007)<ref>{{Cite book|url=http://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.467102|title=Ayukki Atiya|last=Meira|first=O. c|date=2007}}</ref>

* Kaidongpham (essays, 2008)

* Saktam Khara Wakhallon Khara (essays, 2011)<ref name=":0" />

=== Artistic and organizational roles ===

OC Meira is an approved artist of All India Radio [[Imphal]].<ref name=":0" />
He is the founder secretary of:

* Ipak Film Production<ref name=":0" />

* Patriotic Writers’ Forum Manipur (PAWF)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fitting tributes paid to Samarendra on 21st death anniversary|url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2021/6/11/By-Our-Staff-ReporterIMPHAL-Jun-10-The-Patriotic-Writers-Forum-Manipur-in-association-with-its.amp.html|access-date=2025-11-05|website=www.thesangaiexpress.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Arambam Samarendra remembered|url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2023/6/11/By-Our-Staff-ReporterImphal-Jun-10-Patriotic-Writers-Forum-PAWF-Manipur-today-observed-the.html|access-date=2025-11-05|website=www.thesangaiexpress.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Admin|first=IT Web|date=2024-12-10|title=Statue of Lamyanba Irawat unveiled in Nandapur, Assam|url=https://www.imphaltimes.com/news/statue-of-lamyanba-irawat-unveiled-in-nandapur-assam/|access-date=2025-11-05|website=News from Manipur - Imphal Times|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Tribute paid to Arambam Samarendra on death anniversary|url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2020/6/10/-Tribute-paid-to-Arambam-Samarendra-on-death-anniversary.amp.html|access-date=2025-11-05|website=www.thesangaiexpress.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=128th birth anniversary of Jananeta Hijam Irabot celebrated widely : 01st oct24 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=7..011024.oct24|access-date=2025-11-05|website=e-pao.net}}</ref>

* Sangai Film Production<ref name=":0" />

He is also a member of several organizations, including:

* Film Directors’ Guild Manipur

* Biramangol College Alumni Association

* Writers’ Forum Imphal

* Ashei Waphong Yokkhat Lup

* Sheihek Sheireng Sheipan Semgat Lup

* All Manipur Working Journalists Union

* All India Youth Federation, Manipur State Council<ref name=":0" />

== Film career ==

=== Beginning ===

OC Meira began his film career in 2010 when he directed his first Manipuri short film “Kathokpagi Saklon”, produced by Rakesh Naorem. After receiving appreciation for this film, Meira directed several other short films,<ref name=":0" /> including:

* Sageigi Sanaarei

* Tollabasinggi Tolen

* Numit Mana Tadringei

He later directed more than eight feature films, becoming one of the active filmmakers in Manipuri digital cinema.<ref name=":0" />

=== Feature films directed ===

Some of his known films include:

* Shakhenbi Iteima

* Phongdoknadringei

* Ngaina Ngaina

* Leiyisigi Wangmada

* Thamoida Kiramba Kisi

* Eegi Khongul

* Laanthengnaribi

* Kanglaba Chenghi Mayal<ref name=":0" />

All these films were produced by Rakesh Naorem, with whom Meira developed a successful collaboration.<ref name=":0" />

=== Notable works and events ===

* Poppy Leirang (2023) – A music video directed by OC Meira, achieved the Best Lyrics Award at the 15th Manipur State Film Awards (MSFA) 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Admin|first=IT Web|date=2023-11-16|title=Moirangthem Nilamani gets MSFDS Lifetime Achievement Award|url=https://www.imphaltimes.com/news/moirangthem-nilamani-gets-msfds-lifetime-achievement-award/|access-date=2025-11-05|website=News from Manipur - Imphal Times|language=en-US}}</ref>

* Khomlang Laman (2024) – A feature film directed by Meira, screened at Manipur University during the [[World Teachers’ Day]] celebration organized by the Manipur University Students’ Union.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Khumukcham|first=Rinku|date=2024-10-05|title=OC Meira’s film “KHOMLANG LAMAN” premieres at Manipur University|url=https://www.imphaltimes.com/news/oc-meiras-film-khomlang-laman-premieres-at-manipur-university/|access-date=2025-11-05|website=News from Manipur - Imphal Times|language=en-US}}</ref>

* Ashengba Eral (2025) – Directed by Meira and written by Kshetrimayum Subadani, under Dosuyali Film Production. The film won several awards at the 6th Roshani International Film Festival 2025.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Admin|first=IT Web|date=2025-08-18|title=Manipuri films bag awards at 6th Roshani International Film Festival 2025|url=https://www.imphaltimes.com/other-news/manipuri-films-bag-awards-at-6th-roshani-international-film-festival-2025/|access-date=2025-11-05|website=News from Manipur - Imphal Times|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2025-06-04|title=Manipur's Kshetrimayum Subadani Devi Wins Best Producer Award IFFBB 2025 For 'Ashengba Eral'|url=https://ukhrultimes.com/manipurs-kshetrimayum-subadani-devi/|access-date=2025-11-05|language=en-US}}</ref> It won the Best Film award at PRAG Cine Awards Northeast 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|title="Asengba Eral" wins Best Film award at PRAG Cine Awards Northeast 2023|url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2023/5/30/By-Our-Staff-ReporterIMPHAL-May-29-OC-Meira-s-directorial-Asengba-Eral-has-bagged-the-Best.html|access-date=2025-11-05|website=www.thesangaiexpress.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title="Asengba Eral" wins Best Film award at PRAG Cine Awards Northeast 2023 : 30th may23 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=Snipp1..300523.may23|access-date=2025-11-05|website=e-pao.net}}</ref>

* Bangladeshki Sana Tampha (2025) – The film, directed by OC Meira, at the 5th Reels International Film Festival 2025, received Best Feature Film and Best Story awards.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Wins best film award|url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2025/3/24/IMPHAL-Mar-23-In-a-remarkable-achievement-Bangladeshki-Sana-Tampha-has-emerged-as-a-major-winner-at-the-5t.html|access-date=2025-11-05|website=www.thesangaiexpress.com|language=en}}</ref>

== Awards ==
* On December 3, 2017, OC Meira was honored with the Mombi Award by the Manipuri Theatre Centre, [[Assam]], in recognition of his contributions to society through his influential artistic works.<ref>{{Cite web|title=OC Meira honoured with Mombi Award : 04th dec17 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=Snipp6..041217.dec17|access-date=2025-11-05|website=e-pao.net}}</ref>
* On December 10, 2017, in a cultural ceremony, Oinamcha Meira was awarded the title Chingkhei Lammit Meira by the Ima Leisem Inat Yokhat Lup. The organizers stated that he was selected for his unbiased and critical writings.<ref>{{Cite web|title='Chingkhei Lammit Meira' title for OC Meira : 11th dec17 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=24..111217.dec17|access-date=2025-11-05|website=e-pao.net}}</ref>
* OC Meira received the Jury Special Mention Award at the NIRI 9 – 2nd International Film Festival 2023, held at Sangeet Kala Mandir, [[Kolkata]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=HYNews|title=Film Maker OC Meira Conferred with International Award|url=https://hynews.in/article/state/Film_Maker_OC_Meira_Conferred_with_International_Award/https%3A%2F%2Fhynews.in%2Farticle%2Fstate%2FFilm_Maker_OC_Meira_Conferred_with_International_Award%2F4244|access-date=2025-11-05|website=hynews.in|language=en}}{{Dead link|date=January 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
* Best Lyricist (“Ngamnaba Lanfamse”), at the 12th Manipuri Film Awards (MANIFA) 2025, organized by Thouna Manipur and Film Forum Manipur, held at Central Public Hall, Kakching Sanggai Lampak, [[Kakching district]].<ref>{{Cite web|title="Oitharei" bags best feature film at MANIFA 2025 : 22nd sep25 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=19..220925.sep25|access-date=2025-11-05|website=e-pao.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title='Ngamnaba Lanphamse' dedicated to Meitei martyrs, floral tributes offered : 25th jul23 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=18..250723.jul23|access-date=2025-11-05|website=e-pao.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Admin|first=IT Web|date=2025-09-21|title=12th MANIFA 2025 held at Kakching|url=https://www.imphaltimes.com/news/12th-manifa-2025-held-at-kakching/|access-date=2025-11-05|website=News from Manipur - Imphal Times|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Legacy and influence ==

From childhood, OC Meira remained connected with theatre and film. His artistic journey was inspired by [[Shumang Leela]] groups, MDU, and Rupmahal Theatre artists. By observing their performances, he learned acting techniques indirectly and participated in various drama groups.<ref name=":0" />

His role as Jan Neta Irabot in a street play received wide applause.
Through continuous work in theatre and film, Meira became one of the known filmmakers of Manipur.<ref name=":0" />

== Related pages ==
* [[Oinam family]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Notelist}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Meitei people]]
[[Category:Filmmakers]]
[[Category:People from Manipur]]
[[Category:Writers]]
[[Category:Poets]]
[[Category:Meitei literature]]
[[Category:Journalists]]