Soma Laishram
Soma Laishram 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 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.
Her role as Thoinu in Enakta Leiringei earned her a place on Screen Echoes Manipur’s list of the Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema in the Last Decade.
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 18 September 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 ; 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.
On 30 September, Kangleipak Kanba Lup withdrew the ban after acknowledging that it was a mistake to place the ban on Soma Laishram.
Accolades
Laishram was honoured with different titles at film awards and festivals.| Award | Category | Film | |
| 11th Manipur State Film Awards 2018 | Best Actor in a Lead Role - Female | Enakta Leiringei | |
| 10th MANIFA 2022 | Best Supporting Actor - Female | Ima Machet Icha Tangkhai | |
| 17th Manipur State Film Awards 2025 | Special Mention | Una Una |