IMPHAL, November 3: Renowned singer and artist Khundrakpam Joykumar popularly known as “Khun Joykumar” passed away this morning at around 4.03 am at Koirengei Catholic Medical Centre Hospital, room number 6. He was 63.
IFP had reported in its October 30 edition that the singer is being critically hospitalized at the hospital after being admitted since September 4. He was attended by Dr. Diamond and Dr.Shanti but due to the singer acutely affected by high depression was not eating any solid foods. He was not able to recover from the condition even after intravenous nutrition.
Despite the medical attention provided, his condition worsened and on October 28, he was administered blood units in the evening. Afterwards, he became incoherent and elapsed into a coma like state. He was given oxygen treatment since but his health failed to improve.
His attendants mentioned that since IFP’s report on his status, many well wishers and friends had visited him in at the Hospital including Keishamthong MLA , Laisom Ibomcha and actor Yengkhom Roma.
The singer’s body was kept at CMC Hospital morgue but was brought out to the hospital campus afterwards at around 10 am. A floral tribute was given at the mentioned site. Afterwards, his body was brought on a last journey to his home at Kwakeithel Moirang Purel. The artist was given fitting tribute from his family members, well wishers, friends including noted film actors, singers and artistes. Many of his fans also came to pay their respects.
Actor K Tomba, popularly known as Lamja Tomba and others including Yengkhom Roma, Sadananda, Ranbir Thouna etc also came and his songs were also played. Family members and other friends gave accounts of the late singer.
His mortal remains was later taken to Kwakeithel Takhel Leikai at The Society Theatre and at Roop Raag office located at KP studio, Kwakeithel Takhellambam Leikai.
The singer was born to Late Kh ongbi Nupimacha and Gulamjat at Kwakeithel Moirang Purel Leikai on Dec 15th, 1949. He graduated in Arts in 1974 and had more than 45 years experience in the field of Arts including production, direction of films, theatre, music and painting. He involvement in cine works include Matamgi Manipur,Lamja Parsuram,Olangthagi Wangmadasu, Imagi Ningthem etc.
He was awarded the best music director in the First Manipur State Film Festival in 1984, best actor for the film “Sambal Wangma”. He was awarded first prize in All Manipur Art Competition in 1976 and in pencil sketch in College Art Competition in 1969. He was awarded best male playback singer in the film “Meichak Meichak” in 1999. He was the playback singer of “Yuridis” of GC Tongbra and other video films inclusive of Lamlanbi, Ngasisu, Kainathangda, Mantri Dolansana, Sannarembi etc.
He was a life member of Arts Society, Manipur and a patron member of ISkCON.
