Soma Laishram

Soma Laishram (born 5 January 1992) is an Indian actress and singer who appears in Manipuri films. She is a native of Imphal, Manipur. Nurei, Hoo Chaage, Loibataare Ta Raju, and Chanu IPS are some of her famous movies. In September 2021, Laishram joined the Republican Party of India - Athawale (RPI-A) and assumed the post of state unit president of its youth girls’ wing.

Career
Hingbagee Mahao, Nangna Nokpa Yengningi, Nungshi Feijei, Tomthin Shija, Enakta Leiringei, Khurai Angaobi, Ima Machet Icha Tangkhai and Chanu IPS 2 are some of her notable films.

A solo music album Angaoba Malang was also released where she sang in her own voice and acted. As of 2017, she has acted in a Meitei-Portuguese music video Nura Pakhang (Eu e Tu), directed by Romi Meitei and sung by Mangka Mayanglambam and Manuela Clã.

Controversy
Following her participation in a fashion show in Delhi as a showstopper, Soma was banned from participating in films and social events for three years by the Imphal-based civil group Kanglei Kanba Lup on September 18, 2023. As a result of the 2023 Manipur violence, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 170 people, the group asserted that Soma's participation went against the widespread request for actors to abstain from such events.

Talking about the ban, Soma stated the following: "I strongly oppose this (directive); as an artist and a social influencer, I have every right to speak up wherever I want to and whenever it is needed... I have not done anything against my state and my motherland."Priyakanta Laishram, a Manipuri filmmaker and actor, spoke out in favour of all Manipur's artists and denounced the ban placed on Soma Laishram. Opposing the ban on Soma, Priyakanta stated that Manipuri artists have tried their best to bring about some reforms and normalcy in the state of Manipur by using any platforms they have to voice their opinions and doing what they can to help the displaced, raise money, or provide clothes and food. This is true despite the fact that Manipuri artists have suffered the most from the war as all forms of entertainment have been stopped and put on hold ever since the war started.

On September 30, Kangleipak Kanba Lup withdrew the ban after acknowledging that it was a mistake to place the ban on Soma Laishram.

Accolades
Laishram won the Best Actor Award - Female for her role Thoinu in the film Enakta Leiringei at the 11th Manipuri State Film Awards 2018. She won the Best Supporting Actor - Female award at the 10th MANIFA 2022 for her role in the film Ima Machet Icha Tangkhai.

Off-screen work
Laishram was the brand ambassador of Kaizen Sports along with Hamom Sadananda and Oinam Bembem Devi.