Pushparani Huidrom

{{Infobox person

| name = Pushparani Huidrom

| image = Pushparani Huidrom.jpeg

| alt =

| caption = Pushparani during a musical performance

| birth_name = Huidrom Pushparani Devi

| birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1987}}

| birth_place = Wabagai Terapishak in Kakching

| nationality = Indian

| other_names = The Melody Queen of Manipur

| occupation = singer, music teacher

| years_active =

| known_for = singing in Meitei language songs

| notable_works = “Taningle”, “Lei Lei”, “Choirabi”, “Hairo”, and “Hainabado Chumle”

| website = {{Facebook|pushparanihuidromofficial}}

}}

Huidrom Pushparani Devi,{{efn|In her native language, Meitei (Manipuri), her name is written as "{{Script|Mtei|ꯍꯨꯏꯗ꯭ꯔꯣꯝ ꯄꯨꯁ꯭ꯄꯥꯔꯥꯅꯤ ꯗꯦꯕꯤ}}".}} better known as Pushparani Huidrom,{{efn|In her native language, Meitei (Manipuri), her name is written as "{{Script|Mtei|ꯄꯨꯁ꯭ꯄꯥꯔꯥꯅꯤ ꯍꯨꯏꯗ꯭ꯔꯣꯝ}}".}} nicknamed as "The Melody Queen of Manipur",{{Cite web|title=Pushparani Huidrom|url=https://app.chartmetric.com/artist/3786946|access-date=2025-05-14|website=Chartmetric}} is an Indian singer and music instructor. She is noted for her songs in Meitei language in Manipur and other Northeast Indian states.

Native to Imphal, Manipur, known for her significant contributions to Manipuri music, she presented over a thousand songs in two decades. She began her singing career at the age of four and has since gained recognition for her vocal ability. In 1998, she secured the position of first runner-up in the All India Mega Final of the TVS Sa-Re-Ga-Ma competition organized by Zee TV. Over the years, she has recorded hundreds of songs and received numerous awards, including the Best Playback Singer (female) on several occasions. In 2019, she was awarded the title of Best Singer (female) at the SKG International Film Festival. Additionally, she has been honored with various awards for her performances and contributions to the Maniwood film industry.{{Cite web|title=Pushparani Huidrom - Biography|url=https://klmdb.com/name/0000264/biography|access-date=2025-05-14|website=KLMDb|language=en}}

As of 2025, Pushparani’s most streamed tracks on Spotify include “Taningle” with approximately 1.7 million streams, “Lei Lei” with approximately 1.3 million streams, “Choirabi” with 889,900 streams, “Hairo” with 795.1 K streams, and “Hainabado Chumle” with 775,300 streams, reflecting her ongoing presence in digital music distribution.

Career

Pushparani, born in 1987 at Wabagai Terapishak in Kakching (then Thoubal District) of Manipur, is a graduate and holds the title of Sangeet Nipun in Hindustani classical music. She is the daughter of Huidrom Gogol Singh and Bishobhanu. Her involvement in music began in 1991 at a very young age, marked by early participation in song competitions. On February 1, 1991, she secured the first position in a competition jointly organized by NEZCE Dimapur, EZCC Calcutta, and the Department of Arts and Culture, Manipur, held in the name of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

Between 1992 and 1994, Pushparani received several first prizes in district-level and local music competitions. These included the District Level Music Competition organized by Khonthang Musical Centre (1992), Shri Arambam Dayananda Singh Memorial Musical Competition (1992), Nehru Yuva Kendra Thoubal (1992), Geetmala Musical Centre Mayang Imphal (1993), and W.Y.C. Thoubal (1994). She also participated in the Annual State Level Arambam Dayananda Singh Memorial Musical Competition on August 31, 1994, and the first State Level Jananeta Irawat Manipur Song Competition organized by AIYF/MSC in 1994, where she attained third position.

Pushparani served as a music instructor at the Government Ideal Blind School, Takyel, in Imphal.

She sang multiple songs for Meitei language movies, like Akhunba Takhellei,{{Cite web|title=Scenes from Akhunba Takhellei - a manipuri digital film :: E-pao Movie Channel|url=https://e-pao.org/erang/Behind/2019/Gallery_Akhunba_Takhellei_2019_2.html|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.org}} Aliyah,{{Cite web|title=Scenes from Aliyah - a manipuri digital film :: E-pao Movie Channel|url=https://e-pao.org/erang/Behind/2019/Gallery_Aliyah_2019_1.html|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.org}} Angaoba,{{Cite web|title=Scenes from Angaoba - a manipuri digital film :: E-pao Movie Channel|url=https://e-pao.org/erang/Behind/2017/Gallery_Angaoba_2017_2.html|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.org}}{{Cite web|title=Scenes from Angaoba - a manipuri digital film :: E-pao Movie Channel|url=https://e-pao.org/erang/Behind/2017/Gallery_Angaoba_2017_1.html|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.org}} Chingda Satpi Engellei,{{Cite web|title=Scenes from Chingda Satpi Engellei - a manipuri digital film :: E-pao Movie Channel|url=https://e-pao.org/erang/Behind/2019/Gallery_ChingdaSatpi_2019_2.html|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.org}} Ima Machet Icha Tangkhai,{{Cite web|title=Ima Machet Icha Tangkhai A Film Review By Rajmani Ayekpam|url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=reviews.movies.Ima_Machet_Icha_Tangkhai_A_Film_Review_By_Rajmani_Ayekpam|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.net}} Inamma,{{Cite web|title=Scenes from Inamma - a manipuri digital film :: E-pao Movie Channel|url=https://e-pao.org/erang/Behind/2019/Gallery_Inamma_2019_1.html|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.org}} Kanana Helli,{{Cite web|title=Yaipha Thouni Thouram held : 20th feb25 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=26..200225.feb25|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.net}} Leiyisigi Wangmada,{{Cite web|title=Leiyisigi Wangmada Film Credits - E-rang :: E-pao Movie Channel|url=https://e-pao.org/erang/Reviews/Leiyisigi_Wangmada_Film_Credits.php|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.org}} Nangna Helli Nungshiba,{{Cite web|title=Scenes from Nangna Helli Nungshiba - a manipuri digital film :: E-pao Movie Channel|url=https://e-pao.org/erang/Behind/2017/Gallery_Nangna_Helli_2017_1.html|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.org}} Nungshi Khudol,{{Cite web|title=Yaipha Thouni Thouram held : 13th feb25 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=19..130225.feb25|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.net}} Phisakol,{{Cite web|title=Scenes from Phisakol - a manipuri digital film :: E-pao Movie Channel|url=https://e-pao.org/erang/Behind/2020/Gallery_Phisakol_2020_3.html|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.org}} Wakching Thagi Sanarei,{{Cite web|title=Scenes from Wakching Thagi Sanarei - a manipuri digital film :: E-pao Movie Channel|url=https://e-pao.org/erang/Behind/2020/Gallery_WakchingThagiSanarei_2020_2.html|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.org}} Wakching Thana Lakpada,{{Cite web|title=Scenes from Wakching Thana Lakpada - a manipuri digital film :: E-pao Movie Channel|url=https://e-pao.org/erang/Behind/2019/Wakching_Thana_Lakpada_2019_1.html|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.org}} among many others.

She is one of the vocalists of the song Lonna Chikna, which she performed alongside Ranbir Thouna. The song was composed under the music direction of Oken Amakcham.{{Cite web|title=Heart to heart talk with Ajit Ningthouja By Bidyarani Thingujam - E-rang :: E-pao Movie Channel|url=https://e-pao.org/erang/Interview/Heart_to_heart_talk_with_Ajit_Ningthouja_By_Bidyarani_Thingujam.php|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.org}}

Pushparani was one of the singers featured in Romi Meitei gi THOIBI, an event presented by Mayum Network on 14 May 2009 at BOAT.{{Cite web|title=Ann Thoibi musical 20090502|url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=announcements.Ann_2009.Ann_Thoibi_musical_20090502|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.net}}

She is featured as one of the vocalists on the audio CD School Karusi, which includes five songs. The CD, produced by LEGEND STUDIO, also includes contributions from Ranbir Thouna, Mandakini, and Suren.{{Cite web|title=CD Gift Legend 20100103|url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=announcements.Ann_2010.CD_Gift_Legend_20100103|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.net}}

Nangna Khangbidraba Nungsiba is a song performed by Pushparani for the 2015 Manipuri film TORO. The track is part of the film's soundtrack, contributing to its musical composition.{{Cite web|title=announcements channel >>Ann 2015 ~ E-Pao! News About Manipur|url=https://e-pao.net/epPrinter.asp?src=announcements.Ann_2015.Toro_Film_Release_at_BOAT_20150311|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.net}}

The Manipuri music video Khoidajei (My Secret Love), whose song she sang, won the Best Music Video Award at the SKG International Film Festival (SIFF-2019), held from 29 May to 2 June 2019 in Ahmedabad, India. In the Music Video category, Pushparani was awarded the Best Female Singer Award for her performance in Khoidajei.{{Cite web|title=Khoidajei won best Music Video Award of SIFF 2019|url=https://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=leisure.Rock_Concert.Khoidajei_won_best_Music_Video_Award_of_SIFF_2019|access-date=2025-05-14|website=www.e-pao.net}}

She performed at the 9th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Annual Cultural Program organized by the Association of Manipuri Diaspora (AMAND), Pune. The event was held virtually on 4 October 2020 via Zoom and was streamed live on the AMAND Facebook page.{{Cite web|title=9th AGM Annual Cultural Program of AMAND Pune 20201007|url=https://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.Press_Release.Press_Release_2020.9th_AGM_Annual_Cultural_Program_of_AMAND_Pune_20201007|access-date=2025-05-14|website=www.e-pao.net}}{{Cite web|title=AMAND convenes 9th annual meeting : 07th oct20 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=8..071020.oct20|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.net}}

In 2023, Pushparani was one of the playback singers for the music video album Lingjel Khaba Meeteini, produced by Laishram Pictures Production. The album was released at a function held at the Manipur Press Club.{{Cite web|title=Video album 'Lingjel Khaba Meeteini' released : 20th sep23 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=47..200923.sep23|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.net}}

Pushparani was among the artists representing Manipur at the Bishgaon Festival 2023, which took place on January 20 at Abadgaon, Gazipur, Habigonj, in Bangladesh.{{Cite web|title=Manipur team leaves for Bangladesh to participate in Bishgaon Festival 2023 : 18th jan23 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=15..180123.jan23|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.net}}

Pushparani performed the vocals for the song Nungsijeine Ema Mahousa Lairembi, which was released on October 20, 2024, during a ceremony at Loktak Hall, Manipur Press Club, Imphal.{{Cite web|title="Nungsijeine Ema Mahousa Lairembi" released : 21st oct24 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=23..211024.oct24|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.net}}

Awards and honour

On 10 May 1995, Manipur University conferred the ‘Echo Award’ on Pushparani in recognition of her early contributions to the field of music. On 19 August 1995, she secured first position in the Second State Level Junior Literary Meet, an event sponsored by the Directorate of Education, Manipur. Subsequently, on 16 February 1996, she was named Best Artiste during the Aheibam Shyam Nite, organized by the Naharol Thoudang Club in Borbil, Cachar, Assam.{{Cite web|last=Times|first=Manipur|date=2016-03-23|title=Silver Jubilee Celebration on Pushparani’s Musical Journey on April 1, 2016 {{!}} Manipur Times|url=https://manipurtimes.com/silver-jubilee-celebration-on-pushparanis-musical-journey-on-april-1-2016/|access-date=2025-05-14|language=en-US}}

On 2 May 1998, Pushparani attained second place (first runner-up) in the All India Mega Final of the TVS Sa-Re-Ga-Ma music competition, organized by ZEE TV, a national-level platform for emerging musical talent.

Pushparani has been the recipient of multiple recognitions for her contributions to music and Manipuri cinema. On 30 September 1999, she received the Jana Neta Irawat Award for her performance in the field of music. In the same year, she was conferred the Rajkumari Sanatombi Award for best child artist singer, presented in the presence of the then Governor of Manipur. On 21 April 2001, she was awarded Best Female Singer at the Third Manipur State Film Festival, organized by the Manipur Film Development Corporation, Imphal. She participated in the Festival of Manipur held in Kolkata on 19 January 2003. A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to her by Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishva Vidyalaya during the Festival of Peace on 31 August 2008. In 2009, she was awarded a Certificate of Honour by R.K. Films Pvt. Ltd. Production for her contributions to Meitei cinema. On 15 February 2010, she received a Certificate of Honour from SEUTI Films Production, Imphal, for her role in the Manipuri feature film 21st Century’s Kunti. She was also named Best Playback Singer (Female) at the 1st and 5th editions of the SSS MANIFA awards in 2012 and 2016, respectively, organized by Sahitya Seva Samiti in collaboration with Film Forum, Manipur.

Pusparani Huidrom was awarded the Khomdonsana Best Female Singer Award for the year 2012 at the inaugural Sahitya Seva Samiti Manipuri Film Awards. The ceremony took place on 23 September 2012 at the Auditorium of the Library and Information Centre in Kakching. The event was organized by the Sahitya Seva Samiti, Kakching, in collaboration with the Film Forum, Manipur.{{Cite web|title=Pusparani Huidrom receiving Khomdonsana Best Singer Female Award 2012 at Kakching|url=https://www.e-pao.net/epGallery.asp?id=10&src=Landscape/Aerial/RobertLeiLandscape201209|access-date=2025-05-14|website=www.e-pao.net}}

On 12 September 2012, Huidrom Pushparani Devi was announced as one of the nominees for the Best Female Singer category for her performance in the film Luhongbagi Ahing. The announcement was made by R.K. Jnanrajan, Festival Director of the 1st Sahitya Seva Samiti Manipur Film Awards 2012 and the Neta Irawat Leelarol Lifetime Mana 2012, at the office of the Film Forum Manipur in Lamphel.{{Cite web|title=Nominees of Manipuri Film awards announced : 13th sep12 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=23..130912.sep12|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.net}}

Pushparani and Bonium were awarded the titles of Best Female and Best Male Playback Singer, respectively, for the song Nangsu Eisu Nangsu from the film Nangna Nokpa Yengningi at the Sahitya Seva Samiti Manipuri Film Awards 2016. The award function, which also recognized Nangna Nokpa Yengningi as the Best Feature Film, was held at Kakching Khullen.{{Cite web|title=Hingbagi Mahao named best film at SSS Manifa 2016 : 19th jan16 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=16..190116.jan16|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.net}}

Pushparani was conferred the Best Female Playback Singer award for her performance in the song Kourakhini Eibu Soidana from the film Mamlasanu Taibangpal at the 11th Manipur State Film Awards 2018. The awards ceremony took place at the auditorium of the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS).{{Cite web|title=11th Manipur State Film Awards 2018 : 10th dec18 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=18..101218.dec18|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.net}}

At the SKG International Film Festival (SIFF-2019), held from 29 May to 2 June 2019 in Ahmedabad, India, in the Music Video category, Pushparani was awarded the Best Female Singer Award for her performance in Khoidajei.

She was nominated for the Best Female Playback Singer award at the 9th Manipur Film Awards (MANIFA) 2020 for her performances in the songs Yengdaba Ngamde and Mamal Naidraba Thamoi.{{Cite web|title=Nominees out for 9th MANIFA 2020 : 17th feb20 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=3..170220.feb20|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.net}}{{Cite web|title=List of nominees 9th Manipur Film Awards MANIFA 2020|url=https://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=reviews.movies.List_of_nominees_9th_Manipur_Film_Awards_MANIFA_2020|access-date=2025-05-14|website=www.e-pao.net}}

Pushparani received the Best Female Playback Singer award for the song Maral Leitaba Pirangse from the film Akangba Nachom at the 11th Manipur Film Awards (MANIFA) 2023.{{Cite web|title=Akangba Nachom awarded best film of the year : 24th apr23 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=10..240423.apr23|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.net}}{{Cite web|title=Akangba Nachom awarded best film of the year|url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2023/4/24/By-Our-Staff-ReporterIMPHAL-Apr-23-Akangba-Nachom-directed-by-Inaocha-Khundrakpam-has-been-awar.html|access-date=2025-05-14|website=www.thesangaiexpress.com|language=en}}

Controversy

On 26 February 2022, Huidrom Pushparani Devi,{{efn|In her native language, Meitei (Manipuri), her name is written as "{{Script|Mtei|ꯍꯨꯏꯗ꯭ꯔꯣꯝ ꯄꯨꯁ꯭ꯄꯥꯔꯥꯅꯤ ꯗꯦꯕꯤ}}".}} serving as a music instructor at the Government Ideal Blind School, Takyel, was suspended from duty by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Manipur. The suspension followed her participation in a political meeting held on 22 February 2022 during the visit of the Prime Minister of India. The department's order cited video evidence provided by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur, which showed her presence at the event. In her official response, Pushparani Devi stated that she was unaware of the political nature of the meeting. However, based on the evidence, she was placed under suspension with immediate effect. The order also directed that she must not leave Imphal without prior approval from the competent authority.{{Cite web|title=Singer Pushparani suspended for joining political event : 27th feb22 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=46..270222.feb22|access-date=2025-05-14|website=e-pao.net}}{{Cite web|title=Huidrom Pushparani Devi suspended|url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2022/2/26/IMPHAL-Feb-26Huidrom-Pushparani-Devi-renowned-singer-of-the-State-who-is-also-employed-as-a-Musi.html|access-date=2025-05-14|website=www.thesangaiexpress.com|language=en}}