R. K. Bidur Singh (17 October 1941 – 9 June 2021) was a notable Indian film critic[1] and film society activist[2] from Imphal, Manipur. He won the Best Critic Award at the 56th National Film Awards. He worked as a government employee and retired as an assistant account officer.[3][4] His published books include Wakhal Machu Machu, Shaktam Makhal Makhal (2011), Mitkup Khara (2012) and Kaunakhigadra Haina (Atenba Punshi Shaktamsing) (2013).[5][6]
R. K. Bidur Singh | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Rajkumar Bidursana Singh 17 October 1941 Nongmeibung Wangkheirakpam Leikai, Imphal, Manipur |
| Died | 9 June 2021 (aged 79) |
| Occupation | Film critic, writer |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Notable awards | National Film Award for Best Film Critic (2008) |
| Parents | R. K. Haimosana R. K. Ongbi Bidhumukhi |
Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) described him as an Encyclopedia of Manipuri cinema.[7] He succumbed to post COVID-19 complications on 9 June 2021.
Associations and activities
editR.K. Bidur Singh was the founding president of the Manipur Film Journalist/Critics Association (MFJCA).[8][9][10] He was also a jury member of the National Film Awards for Best Writing on Cinema at the 57th National Film Awards.[11] He took charge for some years as the General Secretary of the Imphal Cine Club.[12] He had associated with National Film Development Corporation of India (Kolkata) - Film Script Panel, Film Critics Circle of India and the Cultural Forum, Manipur[13] as members. Singh was the former Chairman of the film screening committee, Manipur Film Development Corporation Limited.[14] He had also worked as the Outside Assessor at the Commission Programme Centre of Doordarshan PPC (NE), Guwahati and Imphal and was the former festival director of the North East Film Festival.
Awards and accolades
editR.K. Bidur Singh was conferred with the Outstanding Film Activist award by Manipur Film Development Corporation in 1997. He also received the Best Writing on Cinema award for his book Wakhal Machu Machu, Shaktam Makhal Makhal at the Manipur State Film Awards 2013.[citation needed]
In 2008, he won the National Film Award for Best Film Critic at the 56th National Film Awards.[15][16][17][18] The citation for the National Award reads, "For taking the readers to a state little known to our film makers. He understands cinema like few others, bringing with him an open mindset that accepts the plurality of thought. He upholds the cause of regional film makers and his ability to focus on cultural relativity does not leave him even when he talks of international cinema. He loves films and it shows in his works".[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ Ramachandran, Smriti Kak (19 March 2010). "President confers 56th National Film Awards". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ "Workshop on journey of Manipuri cinema (1972-2020) commences at MU". The Frontier Manipur. 4 January 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ "CATA condoles RK Bidur's demise". themorningbell.in. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
- ^ "MSFDS MOURNS DEMISED FILM ACTIVIST/CRITIC, R.K. BIDUR". pune.media. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
- ^ "MSFDS mourns death of film critic RK Bidur". Imphal Free Press. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
- ^ "RK Bidur Singh (Author of Wakhal Machu-Machu, Shaktam Makhal-Makhal)". www.goodreads.com. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
- ^ "MSFDS Mourns Demised Film Activist & Critic, R.K. Bidur". www.krctimes.com. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
- ^ "Manipuri film critic RK Bidur no more". Imphal Free Press. 9 June 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ "Film activist Bidur passes away". Pothashang News. 9 June 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ Khumukcham, Rinku (9 June 2021). "Renown film critic RK Bidur passes away; MSFDS among others mourn - Imphal Times". Imphal Times. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ "57th National Film Awards - The Official Catalogue" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ "Evolving digital film culture in Manipur: A misnomer". The Frontier Manipur. 15 September 2020. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ "Renowned Manipur film critic RK Bidur dies of COVID-19 at JNIMS". thenortheastaffairs.com. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
- ^ Kongbam, Meghachandra (5 February 2021). "The subject of film : Is it a medium or an art form ?". The Sangai Express. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ "He came, he saw and he left". Imphal Free Press. 9 June 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ "'Antaheen' gets national award for best film, Hindi bags maximum awards". Indian Television. 23 January 2010. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ Pandit, Srimoyee (25 October 2010). "56th National Film Awards". Jagranjosh. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ "The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Nation". The Tribune. 20 March 2010. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
External links
edit- RK Bidur Singh at the Film Critics Circle of India
- RK Bidur Singh at the Journal of India Cinema
- RK Bidur Singh at the Directorate of Film Festivals of India (DFF)