# Maya Choudhury
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{{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](/source/Imphal), [Manipur](/source/Manipur)
'''Present address:'''
Palace Compound, [Imphal](/source/Imphal), [Manipur](/source/Manipur)
| occupation = Actress
| years_active = 1997-present
| spouse = Laishram Manikanta
| parents = Ch. Somorjit Sharma
Ch. Ongbi Sanahanbi Devi
| website =
}}
'''Maya Choudhury''' is an Indian actress who appears in [Manipuri film](/source/Manipuri_film)s.[{{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}}][{{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}}][{{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}}] For her performance as Anna Martin in the 2024 film ''[Oneness](/source/Oneness_(film))'', she received the Best Supporting Actor (Female) award at the 17th [Manipur State Film Awards](/source/Government_of_Manipur) in 2025, marking the first award of her career.[{{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}}]
Some of her notable films are ''Basantagee Nongallamdai'' trilogy, [''Oneness,''](/source/Oneness_(film)) ''Meichak'', ''Kunti'', ''Mr. Lakhipyari'', ''Liklaai'', ''[Tomthin Shija](/source/Tomthin_Shija)'', [''Imoinu''](/source/Imoinu_(film)) and ''Saklon Amada''.[{{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}}][{{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}}]
==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](/source/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.[{{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}}] and ''[Pandam Amada](/source/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.[{{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}}]
=== Notable Critical Response ===
In 2024, Maya Choudhury appeared as a protagonist playing the role of Anna Martin in the film ''[Oneness](/source/Oneness_(film))'', directed by [Priyakanta Laishram](/source/Priyakanta_Laishram), which is the first Manipuri film to explore same-sex relationships.[{{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}}][{{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}}] The film made its world premiere at South Asia's biggest queer film festival, [KASHISH Pride Film Festival 2024](/source/KASHISH_Pride_Film_Festival), [Mumbai](/source/Mumbai)[{{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}}] and later got official selections and screened at the [14th Bangalore Queer Film Festival 2024](/source/Bangalore_Queer_Film_Festival),[{{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}}] and the 2nd North East India Film Festival, Manipur.[{{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}}] The film also got recommendations from [Elle Magazine](/source/Elle_(magazine)) and [Mid-Day](/source/Mid-Day).[{{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}}][{{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}}]
Upon release, Maya got critical acclaim for her performance as Anna Martin. ''[The Sangai Express](/source/The_Sangai_Express)'' praised her performance, writing that she "delivers one of her most powerful performances in ONENESS."[{{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}}] ''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."[{{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}}] ''E-Pao'' praised her performance, writing, "Maya's portrayal is both subtle and impactful, capturing the essence of a mother's love and resilience."[{{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}}] ''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.[{{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}}] ''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.[{{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}}]
She received her first [pan-Northeast India](/source/Northeast_India) nomination for Best Actress ''- Northeast'' at the [Prag Cine Awards 2025](/source/Prag_Cine_Awards) for her performance in the film.[{{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}}]
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](/source/Government_of_Manipur) and the Manipur State Film Development Society, the award marked the first recognition in her 28-year-long acting career.[{{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}}]
|-
| 1st SSS MANIFA 2012
| Best Actress
| ''Saklon Amada''
| {{nominated}}
| [{{Cite web|url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=23..130912.sep12|title=Nominees of Manipuri Film awards announced|website=e-pao.net}}]
|}
== Controversy ==
In 2024, Maya Choudhury became the subject of online criticism and trolling following a promotional interview for the film ''[Oneness](/source/Oneness_(film))''. 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](/source/Manipur).[{{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}}]