Are you on your way to attend the Hornbill Festival?
Yes. I have never attended it. I will be staying in Dimapur till Dec 4. So, while returning to Imphal by road, I want to take a look at the Hornbill Festival.
As a veteran actor in Manipuri film industry, what changes are you witnessing in the movies of the digital camera age to the present high definition camera age?
Manipuri film industry is undergoing a great transition for the betterment. Story lineups have improved, songs have improved and the young guys are doing a great job.
But, don't you think in the process of making the songs tackier, the film industry is aping the Bollywood?
I would not put that way. According to me, they are changing with the age according to the tastes of the youth.
Do you think the Manipuri film industry may focus on burning issues of Manipur such as human rights violations, insurgency, and demand for Inner Line Permit that may reflect a better picture of the society?
Already some directors are attempting to show the burning issues of Manipur. I hope better movies will come in future that show the situation of our state.
How many films are you working on right now?
I have 8 films in hand for which shooting is on and in all there are 16 upcoming films of mine.
Do you think the younger brigade may replace the older generation of actors?
It will take some time. Me and my colleagues Gokul and Bonny are still acting in lead roles.
Where do you see Manipuri films 10 years down the line?
I see a big boost. The future is very bright. They way they are working in production and marketing, I think Manipuri film industry will take a giant leap forward.
Hornbill Festival in Kisama heritage village near Nagaland's capital Kohima started on Dec 1 and will continue till Dec 10 will witness a mosaic of cultural interaction of several ethnicities throughout Northeast where people will exhibit their dance forms, cuisine, and other cultural aspects. Hornbill festival is named after a large tropical forest that is also the state bird of Nagaland and symbolises unity among various Naga clans. The fest was inaugurated by PM Modi in 2014. People from all over the country and the world have made a beeline to the tiny Naga village nestled just 15 km from Kohima. Aishik Chanda of The New Indian Express speaks to veteran Manipuri actor Kaiku on his flight from Kolkata to Dimapur in Nagaland.