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{{Contains special characters|Meitei}}
{{promo|date=March 2026}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2026}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2026}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Keisham Kuber
| other_names = {{hlist|Kuber Keisham|Kuber|Huis Laobi Kuber}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1958|07|17}}
| birth_place = Top Khongnangkhong, [[Imphal East]], [[Manipur]], India
| education = [[Modern College, Imphal]]
| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|comedian|writer|poet|environmental activist}}
| years_active = 1980s–present
| known_for =
| children = 3
| awards = Best Actor, All India Short Play Competition (2013)<br>Best Actor, Langmeidong Dramatic Union (2004)
}}
'''Keisham Kuber''' (born 17 July 1958),{{efn|written as "{{Script|Mtei|ꯀꯩꯁꯥꯝ ꯀꯨꯕꯦꯔ}}" in [[Meitei language]] in [[Meitei script]]}} or '''Kuber Keisham''',<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kuber Keisham - Biography|url=https://klmdb.com/name/0000985/biography|access-date=2026-02-25|website=KLMDb|language=en}}</ref>{{efn|written as "{{Script|Mtei|ꯀꯨꯕꯦꯔ ꯀꯩꯁꯥꯝ}}" in [[Meitei language]] in [[Meitei script]]}} mononymously known as '''Kuber''',<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nokphade Cultural Foundation mourns : 02nd nov18 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=Snipp3..021118.nov18|access-date=2026-02-25|website=www.e-pao.net|quote=Several artists of Nokphade namely Kuber, Joseph, Rangilal ...}}</ref>{{efn|written as "{{Script|Mtei|ꯀꯨꯕꯦꯔ}}" in [[Meitei language]] in [[Meitei script]]}} is a veteran Indian actor, comedian, theatre artist, poet, short story writer, environmental activist, from [[Manipur]]. Known for his performances in [[Meitei language]] films, dramas, and the traditional [[Shumang Kumhei]] theatre, he has received public recognition for his humorous acting style. He is popularly known as '''"Huis Laobi Kuber"''' for his signature catchphrase ''“Huis! Huis!”'' in a [[Nokphade]] play ''Khangenphamda Ngairi''.<ref name=":manipurtimes.com/huis-laobi-kuber">Ngangbam, Amukhomba (2017-02-09). "Huis Laobi Kuber – a Manipuri Comedian Bringing Laughter to Many" | "Manipur Times".</ref>
In the 2000s, Keisham Kuber became a well known figure in [[Meitei cinema]]’s digital era, often portraying roles in [[queer]] characters in comedic ways, showing humiliation, derogatory remarks, and ridicule, especially in movies including ''Eigidi Thawaini, Huranbado Mapuni, and Thajadaba Mitkuptuda'', that reinforced stereotypes and contributed to the marginalization of the [[LGBTQ]] community, as the ''"objects of mockery"''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2026-02-19|title=Queer portrayal in popular Manipuri cinema: A journey towards inclusivity|url=https://vartagensex.org/2026/02/20/queer-representation-in-popular-manipuri-cinema-a-journey-towards-inclusivity/|access-date=2026-02-25|website=Varta Trust|language=en|quote=The 2000s marked a significant shift in Manipuri cinema with the rise of digital filmmaking, resulting in a surge of annual productions and increased visibility of queer characters. However, these representations were often relegated to comedic relief, lacking depth and narrative significance. Veteran actors like Keisham Kuber and Laishram Rangilal perpetuated damaging stereotypes, potentially normalizing mockery and marginalisation of queer individuals in real life. Films like Eigidi Thawaini, Huranbado Mapuni, and Thajadaba Mitkuptuda shared a disturbing commonality – the use of a queer character, played by Kuber, as a comedic relief. These portrayals featured humiliation, derogatory remarks, and ridicule, perpetuating the notion that queer individuals are objects of mockery.}}</ref>
Other than onscreen activities, he is also known for working in environmental conservation efforts, like participating in the tree plantation drives.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tree plantation drives conducted : 19th aug24 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=49..190824.aug24|access-date=2026-02-25|website=e-pao.net}}</ref>

== Early life and education ==

Keisham Kuber was born in Top Khongnangkhong, [[Imphal East]], [[Manipur]], to Keisham Gouramani Singh and Keisham Ongbi Leirikmacha Devi. He is the youngest of five siblings, with two sisters and two elder brothers. He completed his [[matriculation]] from Lamphel High School in 1978 and graduated from [[Modern College, Imphal]] in 1982. He is married and has three children: Kapil, Kapila, and Kripa.<ref name=":manipurtimes.com/huis-laobi-kuber" />

== Career in acting ==

Kuber had a passion for writing poems and stories since his childhood. To enhance his storytelling skills, he began acting in proscenium theatre. He joined the People Art and Dramatic Association in his hometown and later worked with Panthoibi Natya Mandir from 1987, under the guidance of theatre director Yumnam Rajendra.<ref name=":manipurtimes.com/huis-laobi-kuber" />

At Rajendra's suggestion, Kuber also studied other performance arts. He learned [[Manipuri classical dance]] at JN Manipur Dance Academy for 12 years and trained in [[Thang-Ta]] (traditional [[Meitei classical martial arts]]) under Keirao Sana.<ref name=":manipurtimes.com/huis-laobi-kuber" />

=== Theatre career ===

During his time with the People Art and Dramatic Association, Kuber performed in several plays, including:<ref name=":manipurtimes.com/huis-laobi-kuber" />

* Tas Chang Thok-ee
* Chingningi Sheirol
* Guru Dakhina
* Taramdai Korou
* Hanglai
* Mukti
* Manjagi Kangthol
* Ishanougi Kangkhul<ref name=":manipurtimes.com/huis-laobi-kuber" />

=== Nokphade comedy series ===

Kuber joined the [[Nokphade]] comedy series in 1994, a project created by Ruhinikumar Thoudam. Although hesitant at first, he joined the cast starting from Volume 3 after the earlier volumes gained popularity.<ref name=":manipurtimes.com/huis-laobi-kuber" />

He acted in Nokphade from Volume 3 to Volume 14, and is also part of Volume 15, scheduled for release soon. His character Baladeva, a submissive husband dominated by his wife Radha, was particularly popular in the play Khangenphamda Ngairi, dramatized by Ruhinikumar and based on Sorat Kana Solbigani, a story by Niladhaja Khuman.<ref name=":manipurtimes.com/huis-laobi-kuber" />

Kuber credits both Ruhinikumar and Yumnam Rajendra for shaping his acting career.<ref name=":manipurtimes.com/huis-laobi-kuber" />

=== Shumang Kumhei career ===

Kuber began performing in [[Shumang Kumhei]] (or Shumang Leela) theatrical performances in 2010, after being invited by playwright-director Ranjit Ningthouja. Initially reluctant due to his deep involvement in theatre, he finally agreed after obtaining permission from his theatre mentor, Yumnam Rajendra.<ref name=":manipurtimes.com/huis-laobi-kuber" />

His debut Shumang Kumhei play was Phajabeegi Mapu, produced by North Imphal Manipur Jatra Mandal and performed at the Manipur State Shumang Leela Ningtham Kumhei 2010. He played the role of a Pung Yeiba (traditional Meitei drummer). His other performances include:<ref name=":manipurtimes.com/huis-laobi-kuber" />

* Basantagi Mapao<ref name=":manipurtimes.com/huis-laobi-kuber" />
* Loktak<ref name=":manipurtimes.com/huis-laobi-kuber" />
* Meet Ani<ref name=":manipurtimes.com/huis-laobi-kuber" />
* Sajibu Nongma Panba (playing as Lainingthou)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Shumang Leela Festival : 'Sajibu Nongma Panba', a play searching for an equal society : 03rd mar23 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=32..030323.mar23|access-date=2026-02-25|website=e-pao.net}}</ref>

He continues to be an active member of the Shumang Leela community.<ref name=":manipurtimes.com/huis-laobi-kuber" />

== Awards and honours ==

Kuber received several accolades for his acting:<ref name=":manipurtimes.com/huis-laobi-kuber" />

* Best Actor award at the All India Short Play Competition, [[Allahabad]] (2013), for his role as Yongkham in Tas Chang Thok-ee.<ref name=":manipurtimes.com/huis-laobi-kuber" />
* Best Actor award from Langmeidong Dramatic Union in 2004.<ref name=":manipurtimes.com/huis-laobi-kuber" />
* Second prize for Best Actor for movie "Lalol-loidaba Lallonba" produced by Nokphade Cultural Foundation, awarded by the Langmeidong Dramatic Union (LDU) and the Manipur State Kala Akademi, [[Imphal]], in the 48th Kha Manipur Drama Festival 2025.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Update|first=Manipur|date=2025-11-04|title=Prize Distribution Function of Kha Manipur Drama Festival Held – Manipur Update|url=https://manipur-update.com/prize-distribution-function-of-kha-manipur-drama-festival-held/|access-date=2026-02-25|language=en-US|quote=Keisham Kuber (Lalol-loidaba Lallonba – Nokphade Cultural Foundation) received the second prize.}}</ref>

== Writing career ==
{{Further|modern Meitei poetry}}
Besides acting, Kuber is also a writer. He published a poetry book titled Mirang Thuraba Til in 1985. He has also written around 43 short stories, many of which were published in the [[Sanaleibak (newspaper)|Sanaleibak daily newspaper]].<ref name=":manipurtimes.com/huis-laobi-kuber" />

== See also ==
* [[Traditional Meitei drama|Traditional Meitei theatre]]
* [[Modern Meitei drama|Modern Meitei theatre]]
* [[Meitei literature]]
* [[Oinam Bijando]]
* [[RK Hemabati]]
* [[Bishesh Huirem]]
* [[Beoncy Laishram]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Notelist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kuber, Keisham}}
[[Category:Meitei people]]
[[Category:Actors from Manipur]]
[[Category:Indian actors]]
[[Category:Indian writers]]
[[Category:Indian queer people]]
[[Category:Indian environmentalists]]
[[Category:Indian activists]]
[[Category:Indian comedians]]
[[Category:Indian LGBTQ people]]
[[Category:Indian poets]]
[[Category:Indian short story writers]]
[[Category:Shumang Kumhei artists]]
[[Category:1958 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Actors in Meitei cinema]]
[[Category:Writers from Manipur]]
[[Category:Indian LGBTQ actors]]
[[Category:Indian LGBTQ comedians]]
[[Category:Indian LGBTQ entertainers]]
[[Category:People from Imphal East district]]
[[Category:Veterans activists]]
[[Category:Indian theatre people]]

Keisham Kuber - Revision history

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