Satherjit Thiyam : Choreographer of Manipuri Films
* Daniel Chabungbam
Satherjit Thiyam : Choreographer of Manipuri Films
Choreographer of Manipuri Films and Music videos
Name: Satherjit Thiyam
Father's Name: (Late) Thiyam Gulamjat Singh
Mother's Name: Thiyam ongbi Tamubi Devi
Address: Singjamei Thongam Leikai, Daoji School Leirak
Date of Birth: Thursday, June 26, 1978
Educational Qualification: Graduate
In the glamorous Manipuri digital film circle who does not know the name Saterjit Thiyam is very little. He is a known choreographer in the circle. Most of the choreography credit goes to Saterjit. He has choreographed in most of the Manipuri digital films.
Besides, he has a credit to various activities. He has came across dance, drama, Thang-Ta and other allied activities. He is also a cameraman. Though he has came across these activities he is keen to became a reknown dancer. His interests includes break dance, hip-hop dance, reggae, salsa, etc that belongs to the western dance. But, so far he has learnt it from a particular teacher. Capturing his inherent talents was the only option while he could also became acquainted to it very fast. He imagines that world known dancer like Michael Jackson and South Indian dancer and actor Prabhu Deva are his never known guides.
Satherjit Thiyam : Choreographer of Manipuri Films
But, his family never encourages him. They always scolded him en route for his wish to become a dancer. Saterjit participates in dance competitions without the knowledge of his parents. Unfortunately, he could hardly win any award or title. His parents further told him not to venture to activities relating to dance. His father Gulamjat Singh served as a Chief Warden in Manipur Central Jail.
Saterjit bear the burden of his family's survival after the death of his father. Their family faced problems relating to the studies. This was the moment where Saterjit's mother forced him not to lose his precious time in a career that she thinks as never rewarding. Thereby, Saterjit helped his brothers by working as a cameraman of wedding ceremonies. But he is never interested in what he do.
Saterjit while undergoing his graduation course studied at JN Manipur Dance for three years and completed the diploma course in dance. He further did his masters in dance from Manipur University. His studies are never ending till this moment. He is presently pursuing PhD course in Manipuri Dance from Vishwa Bharati University, West Bengal. Apart from his enormous assignment as a choreographer in Manipuri digital films, Saterjit is also serving as an Assistant Professor in Performing Arts at RK Sanatombi College of Education, Imphal.
Saterjit by keeping in mind that 'to know one's own culture is to know our forefathers' has shifted to his interest from Western form of dances to our own tradition and culture. He keeps on exploring our tradition to choreograph Manipuri films. He has choreographed in more than 250 Manipuri digital films and 80 music videos. The initial journey on choreography of Saterjit bears no fruit.
The turning point was in 2001 when he won the first position in dance in Manfete held at Manipur University. This prove to be the starting point of his career in choreography. His first composition won the Best group dance choreographer award of Ketawn award. He first ever choreography in film was for 'Mitki Kajal'. Nungaibanida College Karingei matamse was the first music video choreograph by Saterjit.
This music video was a stepping stone for him as it popularize who Saterjit is and what he has done. Though Saterjit's choreography journey was failed at its initial stage, he has been enjoying for what he has done so far after the first digital film and first music video. Fortunately, Saterjit's second stage of life in his profession seems to have been waited earlier.
With a vast knowledge in theory and practical, Saterjit now has accolades to his career and feels that he has started achieving his wish. For this he gives his immense thanks and credit to his family members, Guruhal in Lai Haraoba of JN Manipur Dance Academy RK Nabindra, Ballet Unit of JN Manipur Dance Academy W. Tikendrajit and director of Progressive Artists Laboratory N. Tiken Singh.
Saterjit won the Best choreographer award in Manipur State Film Festival in 2007. He has participated thrice in the Surin International Folklore Festival held in Thailand. Saterjit has travelled to South Korea and Greece performed various mime performance as a mime artist under the guidance of Dr. Yumnam Sadananda Singh of Kanglei Mime Theatre Repertory.
Saterjit has now become a part or parcel of the Manipuri film industry. His choreography seems is a must for each and every new production. Saterjit along with his wife Pebam ningol Rina Devi and their daughter in a bid to showcase our Manipuri culture has venture into a centre christened as 'Spirit of Performing Art Centre. He believes the centre and his efforts will be fruitful in the near future.
See a photo gallery for Satherjit Thiyam here