Bala Hijam

Surja Bala Hijam, better known as Bala Hijam (Meitei pronunciation: /ba-lā hī-jam/) is an Indian actress, who predominantly appears in Manipuri films. She is best known for her lead role in Malayalam road film, titled Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi .

Career
Bala Hijam made her debut at age 15 in Oken Amakcham's Tellanga Mamei, through the reference of the cinematographer of the movie Irom Maipak. She started shooting for her Hindi film debut Zindagi on the Rocks, but was left incomplete due to some issues. Her notable role after her first film was in Romi Meitei's Khangdreda Nongdamba, where she played a supporting role alongside Kamala Saikhom. Panthungee Wangmada, directed by Yoimayai Mongsaba produced under the banner Fly High Films was her first film in a leading role. Among her popular films, Yaiskulgee Pakhang Angaoba, Manipur Express, Meerang Mahum, Amukta Ani, Delhi Mellei, Sanagi Tangbal and Thabaton 2 may be mentioned.

She played the role of a differently-abled lady in the movie Tamoyaigee Ebecha.

In 2018, she appeared in an educational film, Who Said Boys Can't Wear Makeup? directed by Priyakanta Laishram, which was the first-ever Indian film on gender-neutral fashion and men's make-up.

In 2022, she featured in a short film, Lembi Leima, directed by Mayank Pratap Singh.

Accolades
Bala Hijam won the Best Actress Award in 8th Manipur State Film Festival, 2013 for the film Yaiskulgee Pakhang Angaoba. She played the role of Majaru in the film. She has also won the Special Jury Award 2011 from Film Academy Manipur (FAM). She won the Best Actor Award in a Supporting Role - Female for her role Langlen in the film Chinglen Sana in the 11th Manipuri State Film Awards 2018. For her titular role in the film Inamma, she won the Best Actress Award in 9th MANIFA 2020. Bala Hijam won multiple national and international awards for the film Lembi Leima in the Best Actress category.