{{short description|Indian actress from Manipur}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2024}} {{Use Indian English|date=April 2023}} {{Infobox person | name = Maya Choudhury | image = Maya Choudhury.jpg | caption = Maya Choudhury in 2020 | birth_date = | birth_place = Imphal, Manipur<br/>'''Present address:'''<br/>Palace Compound, Imphal, Manipur | occupation = Actress | years_active = 1997-present | spouse = Laishram Manikanta | parents = Ch. Somorjit Sharma<br/>Ch. Ongbi Sanahanbi Devi | website = }} '''Maya Choudhury''' is an Indian actress who appears in Manipuri films.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=19 August 2023 |title="For The First Time, This Film Stirs Up The Deepest Feelings In My Heart" - Maya Choudhury About Working In 'Oneness' |url=https://dailyasianage.com/news/311008/for-the-first-time-this-film-stirs-up-the-deepest-feelings-in-my-heart---maya-choudhury-about-working-in-oneness |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=The Asian Age}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=15 February 2025 |title=Manipuri Film ‘Oneness’ Earns Four Nominations at Prag Cine Awards Northeast 2025 |url=https://www.imphaltimes.com/news/manipuri-film-oneness-earns-four-nominations-at-prag-cine-awards-northeast-2025/ |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=Imphal Times}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=29 April 2018 |title=Maya Choudhury |work=The Personage |url=https://nikitalsharma.wordpress.com/2018/04/29/maya-choudhury/ |access-date=17 August 2023}}</ref> For her performance as Anna Martin in the 2024 film ''Oneness'', she received the Best Supporting Actor (Female) award at the 17th Manipur State Film Awards in 2025, marking the first award of her career.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-06-27 |title=Manipur's Queer Film ONENESS Wins 2 State Govt. Film Awards - Northeast Today |url=https://northeasttoday.in/northeast/manipurs-queer-film-oneness-wins-2-state-govt-film-awards/ |access-date=2025-06-27 |website=Northeast Today |language=en-US}}</ref>
Some of her notable films are ''Basantagee Nongallamdai'' trilogy, ''Oneness,'' ''Meichak'', ''Kunti'', ''Mr. Lakhipyari'', ''Liklaai'', ''Tomthin Shija'', ''Imoinu'' and ''Saklon Amada''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=10 December 2021 |title=Priyakanta Laishram "ONENESS" is all set to reveal the invisible crime of Gay Honor Killing (Manipur's first Gay themed movie) |work=India Today NE |url=https://www.indiatodayne.in/breaking-news/story/priyakanta-laishram-oneness-all-set-reveal-invisible-crime-gay-honor-killing-manipurs-first-gay-themed-movie-411189-2021-12-10 |access-date=10 May 2023}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=23 April 2023 |title=Making Of 'ONENESS': Manipur's First-Ever Flick On Same-Sex Relationship |work=The Frontier Manipur |url=https://thefrontiermanipur.com/making-of-oneness-manipurs-first-ever-flick-on-same-sex-relationship/ |access-date=10 May 2023}}</ref>
==Career== In 1998, Maya Choudhury made her acting debut in the celluloid film ''Meichak,'' directed by Laimayum Banka Sharma. Later that year, she participated in Miss Manipur 1998, where she was placed ''2nd runner-up'', winning 5 other subtitles. It was then followed by two other celluloid films before she got married.<ref name=":1" />
She made her comeback to acting after marriage with films like ''Basantagee Nongallamdai'' and ''21st Century's Kunti'', for which she credited her husband and family for their support.<ref name=":1" />
Maya's comeback in the industry is marked by ''Leikhamton'' and supporting roles in films like ''Imoinu, Tomthin Shija, Hiyai'',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/manipuri-film-hiyai-screened-at-dus-north-campus/articleshow/66028925.cms |title=Manipuri film Hiyai screened at DU's north campus |newspaper=The Times of India}}</ref> and ''Pandam Amada'', while the latter was selected for the 18th Dhaka International Film Festival 2019, the 18th Third Eye Asian Film Festival 2019, Mumbai and the Tokyo Lift-Off Film Festival 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://thenewsmill.com/manipuri-film-pandan-selected-for-asian-festival/ |title=Manipuri film Pandam Amada selected for Asian Festival |website=The News Mill |date=12 December 2019 |access-date=15 April 2020}}</ref>
=== Notable Critical Response === In 2024, Maya Choudhury appeared as a protagonist playing the role of Anna Martin in the film ''Oneness'', directed by Priyakanta Laishram, which is the first Manipuri film to explore same-sex relationships.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Roy |first=Esha |date=25 April 2022 |title=A Manipur film tackles sexual identity for first time |work=The Indian Express |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/a-manipur-film-tackles-sexual-identity-for-first-time-7885549/ |access-date=1 April 2023}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite news |date=17 August 2024 |title=Oneness to premiere at Bangalore Queer Film Fest |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2024/8/17/IMPHAL-Aug-17-Manipuri-Film-Oneness-has-been-selected-as-the-sole-entry-from-North-East-India-for-the-pre.html |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=The Sangai Express}}</ref> The film made its world premiere at South Asia's biggest queer film festival, KASHISH Pride Film Festival 2024, Mumbai<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 May 2024 |title=Priyakanta's 'Oneness' steals spotlight at Pride Film Fest |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2024/5/21/By-Our-Staff-ReporterIMPHAL-May-20-Manipuri-filmmaker-and-actor-Priyakanta-Laishram-has-taken-the-Kashish.html |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=The Sangai Express}}</ref> and later got official selections and screened at the 14th Bangalore Queer Film Festival 2024,<ref name=":5" /> the 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival 2025,<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 January 2025 |title=State gears up for 2nd EIIFF |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2025/1/31/IMPHAL-Jan-30-Manipur-is-gearing-up-to-host-the-second-edition-of-the-Eikhoigi-Imphal-International-Film-Fe.html |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=The Sangai Express}}</ref> and the 2nd North East India Film Festival, Manipur.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 February 2025 |title=Three Assamese Films Selected For Screening At 2nd North East India Film Festival In Manipur |url=https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/assam-news/three-assamese-films-selected-for-screening-at-2nd-north-east-india-film-festival-in-manipur |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=The Sentinel}}</ref> The film also got recommendations from Elle Magazine and Mid-Day.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 May 2024 |title=From Kaathal to La Vénus d'Argent, Here Are 8 Films To Watch Out For At The Kashish Pride Film Festival This Year |url=https://elle.in/8-films-kashish-pride-film-festival/ |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=ELLE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=13 May 2024 |title=10 feature films to watch out for at KASHISH Pride Film Festival 2024 |url=https://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/culture/photo/in-photos-10-feature-films-to-watch-out-for-at-kashish-pride-film-festival-2024-in-mumbai-lgbtqia-queer-festival-100613/1 |access-date=13 March 2025}}</ref>
Upon release, Maya got critical acclaim for her performance as Anna Martin. ''The Sangai Express'' praised her performance, writing that she "delivers one of her most powerful performances in ONENESS."<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 August 2024 |title=ONENESS: A landmark in Manipuri cinema breaks barriers |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2024/8/9/Reviewed-by-Laishram-Malemnganba-Meitei-Mocha-Laishram-Khuman-ABOUT-THE-FILM-ONENESS-directed-by-Pr.html |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=The Sangai Express}}</ref> ''Manipur Wiki'' penned, "Maya Choudhury shines as another stand out star of the film, delivering outstanding performances throughout." and stating that, "This performance is arguably the best of her career."<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 December 2024 |title=“Oneness” : A Film Review |url=https://manipurwiki.org/oneness-a-film-review/ |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=Manipur Wiki}}</ref> ''E-Pao'' praised her performance, writing, "Maya's portrayal is both subtle and impactful, capturing the essence of a mother's love and resilience."<ref name=":8">{{Cite news |date=20 December 2024 |title=Oneness - A Brave, Pioneering Triumph in Manipuri Cinema |url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=reviews.movies.Oneness_A_Brave_Pioneering_Triumph_in_Manipuri_Cinema_By_David_Whiso |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=E-Pao}}</ref> ''Imphal Review of Arts and Politics'' described it as “perhaps the finest performance of her illustrious career”, praising her emotionally nuanced portrayal of a conflicted mother, considering her role as one of the strongest elements of the film, contributing significantly to its impact.<ref name=":9">{{Cite news |date=10 May 2025 |title=“Oneness”: A Defiant Cinematic Stand Against Deep-Rooted Socio-Cultural Intolerance |url=https://imphalreviews.in/oneness-a-defiant-cinematic-stand-against-deep-rooted-socio-cultural-intolerance/ |access-date=14 June 2025 |work=Imphal Review of Arts and Politics}}</ref> ''Signpost News'' highlighted Maya Choudhury’s role as a key emotional anchor in ''Oneness'', noting her “transformative arc” as one of the film’s most impactful elements.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Angom |first=Rinku |date=26 June 2025 |title=Oneness: The Film That Dared to Say What Manipur Silenced |url=https://signpostnews.com/oneness-the-film-that-dared-to-say-what-manipur-silenced/ |access-date=27 June 2025 |work=Signpost News}}</ref>
She received her first pan-Northeast India nomination for Best Actress ''- Northeast'' at the Prag Cine Awards 2025 for her performance in the film.<ref name=":4" /> Her performance as Anna Martin in ''Oneness'' was recognized by ''Screen Echoes Manipur'' as one of the Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema in the Last Decade.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Manipur |first=Screen Echoes |date=21 June 2025 |title=Best 8 Performances In Manipuri Cinema In The Last Decade |url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=reviews.movies.Best_8_Performances_in_Manipuri_Cinema_in_the_last_Decade |access-date=23 June 2025 |work=E-Pao}}</ref>
At the 17th Manipur State Film Awards in 2025, she received the Best Supporting Actor (Female) award for ''Oneness''. Presented by the Government of Manipur and the Manipur State Film Development Society, the award marked the first recognition in her 28-year-long acting career.<ref name=":10" />
== Accolades == {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ !Award !Category !Film !Result !Ref. |- | 17th Manipur State Film Awards 2025 | Best Supporting Actor (Female) | ''Oneness'' |{{won}} |<ref name=":10" /> |- | Prag Cine Awards 2025 | Best Actress - ''Northeast'' | ''Oneness'' | {{nominated}} | <ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=10 March 2025 |title=Priyakanta Laishram wins Best Director Northeast at Prag Cine Awards 2025 for ONENESS |url=https://www.imphaltimes.com/news/priyakanta-laishram-wins-best-director-northeast-at-prag-cine-awards-2025-for-oneness/ |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=Imphal Times}}</ref> |- | 1st SSS MANIFA 2012 | Best Actress | ''Saklon Amada'' | {{nominated}} | <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=23..130912.sep12|title=Nominees of Manipuri Film awards announced|website=e-pao.net}}</ref> |}
== Controversy == In 2024, Maya Choudhury became the subject of online criticism and trolling following a promotional interview for the film ''Oneness''. During the interview, she remarked she does not watch films in which she does not star, a statement that was misinterpreted and contributed to heightened backlash against the film. The controversy occurred amidst broader resistance to the film’s subject matter in Manipur.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hijam |first=Araba |date=13 March 2025 |title=Why Priyakanta Laishram's Best Director Win Feels Like Our Own Victory |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2025/3/13/Araba-Hijam-Some-victories-extend-beyond-personal-achievement-they-symbolize-defiance-resilience-and-the-c.html |access-date=14 June 2025 |work=The Sangai Express}}</ref><ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" />
==Selected filmography== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Film ! Role ! Director |- |1998 |''Meichak'' |Lata |L. Banka Sharma |- |1999 |''Aroiba Bidaai'' |Thadoi |Oken Amakcham |- |rowspan="2"|2004 |''Thajabagee Wangmada'' |Sarju |Oken Amakcham |- |''Panthungeedara Nungshiba'' |Asha |Diya Khwairakpam |- | rowspan="2"|2005 |''Nangtana Helli'' |Monika |Oken Amakcham |- |''Mr. Lakhipyari'' |Radha |Homen D' Wai |- |rowspan="2"|2006 |''Eigi Salini Ma'am'' | Salini Thapa |Vir Bhadra Yumnam |- |''Basantagee Nongallamdai'' |Sarla |Tej Kshetri |- |2007 |''Ujaningba Shaktam'' |Sarla |Tej Kshetri |- |rowspan="4"|2008 |''Chatlabra Waarouna?'' |Thaja |Khwairakpam Bishwamittra |- |''Liklaai'' |Liklaai |Pilu H. |- |''Ningthem'' |Panthoi |Khwairakpam Bishwamittra |- |''Lanmei Thanbi'' |Dr. Memi |Chou En Lai & O. Mangi |- | rowspan="3"|2009 |''Lonthoktabagee Wari'' |Leihao |Diya Khwairakpam |- |''Leikang Thambal'' |Thambal |Tej Kshetri |- |''Utaangbi'' |Radha |Romi Meitei |- | rowspan="11"|2010 |''Imphal Ningol'' |Leibaklei |Bijgupta Laishram |- |''Piranglakta Manglan Ama'' |Dr. Chongnu |Khangembam Kuleswar |- |''Lambidudei'' |Dr. Linthoi |K. Bimal Sharma |- |''Kanadano'' |Lingjel's sister |I.S. Gurung |- |''Saklon Amada'' |Memthoi |L. Surjakanta |- |''Meiree Natte Liklani'' |Lanjenbi |Amar Raj |- |''Ahing Mamei'' |Leima |Bimol Phibou |- |''Oooh...! The Great - Thawangee Purnima'' |Purnima |L. Prakash |- |''21st Century's Kunti'' |Rajlakshmi |Joy Soram |- |''Nungshibee Takhellei'' |Linthoi |Amar Raj |- |''Torban Amagi Wari'' |Phajabi |Niladhwaja Khuman |- | rowspan="3"|2011 |''Mellei Leishna Thariktha'' |Leishna |Amar Raj |- |''Momon Meenok'' |Thariktha |Ksh. Kishorekumar |- |''Fried Fish, Chicken Soup and a Premiere Show'' |Herself |Mamta Murthy |- |2014 |''Leikhamton'' |Leikham |Tej Kshetri |- | rowspan="2"|2015 |''Imoinu'' |Leimarembi |Bijgputa Laishram |- |''Shajik Thaba'' |Sanarembi's mother |Ojitbabu Ningthoujam |- |2017 |''Tomthin Shija'' |Dr. Ayingbi Shija |Bobby Haobam |- |2018 |''Hiyai'' |Leima |Herojit Naoroibam |- |2019 |''Pandam Amada'' |Yaiphabi |O. Gautam |- |2020 |''Aronba Wari'' |Yaiphabi's mother |OC Meira |- | rowspan="2" |2022 |''Imoinu 2'' |Leimarembi |Bijgupta Laishram |- |''Laija Lembi'' |Tampha |Sudhir Kangjam |- |rowspan="2"|2024 |''Oneness'' |Anna Martin |Priyakanta Laishram |- |''Khomlang Laman'' |Chinglen's mother |OC Meira |- |Upcoming |''Laija Lembi 2'' |Tampha |Sudhir Kangjam |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01ekmzmrksg |title=MAYA CHOUDHURY On Manung Hutna 14 July 2018 |via=YouTube}} * {{cite web |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=9bDXpvcju-Q |title=Coffee with TOM - Maya Choudhury: Episode 150 (Anchor: Jolly) |via=YouTube}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Choudhury, Maya}} Category:Living people Category:Meitei people Category:People from Imphal Category:Indian film actresses Category:Actresses from Manipur Category:Actresses in Meitei cinema Category:21st-century Indian actresses Category:Year of birth missing (living people)