Pushparani Huidrom Wins Best Female Playback Singer For ‘Matam’ At Manipur State Film Awards 2025
Summary
Pushparani Huidrom, acclaimed as “The Melody Queen of Manipur,” has clinched the Best Female Playback Singer award at the 17th Manipur State Film Awards (MSFA) 2025. She earned the honor for her soul-stirring rendition of “Matam Nangbu” from the film Una Una. The awards were presented by the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) on June 28, 2025, in Imphal.
Introduction
Ever found a song that’s so good, you want to play it on repeat? That’s exactly what Pushparani Huidrom’s vocals in “Matam Nangbu” feel like—a musical hug that lingers long after it ends. When her name was announced as the Best Female Playback Singer at the MSFA 2025, fans across Manipur—and beyond—erupted with joy and pride. But there’s more to this story than just an award. We’re diving deep into who Pushparani is, why this win matters, and what it’s like being a female playback singer in the vibrant Manipuri film world.
1. Who is Pushparani Huidrom? – The Songbird’s Journey
Picture a child born with music woven into her soul—Pushparani fits that image. Born Huidrom Pushparani Devi in Kakching, Manipur, she started singing at just four years old . Her captivating voice quickly gained recognition, culminating in her runner-up finish in Zee TV’s All India Sa-Re-Ga-Ma competition in 1998 . Over the years, she’s recorded over a thousand songs, blending tradition with today’s tunes—a testament to her versatility and passion .
Fans affectionately call her “The Melody Queen of Manipur,” and her Spotify stream numbers—like 1.7 million for “Taningle”—show just how loved she is beyond her home state
2. The Song “Matam Nangbu” – How It Sparked a Celebration
“Matam Nangbu” (which loosely means “The Heart’s Whisper to You”) is part of Una Una, a romantic film set against Manipur’s lush landscapes. Released at the tail end of 2024, the song showcased Pushparani’s ability to wrap every note in emotion, drawing listeners into the film’s loving atmosphere
What makes her performance stand out?
- She balances tradition and emotion—honoring Manipuri musical roots while evoking modern sensibilities.
- Her voice carries a quiet power, layering tenderness with strength, perfect for the song’s intimate mood.
- She truly lived the lyrics—every breath she takes feels real, making the listener believe her story.
Winning the MSFA reflects not just her talent, but her ability to vocalize the heart of film and culture.
3. The 17th Manipur State Film Awards – Why It Counts
The MSFDS annual awards spotlight art from across Manipur’s film world—fiction, music, acting, direction. In 2025, Una Una bagged multiple honors:
- Best Popular Film for Wholesome Entertainment
- Best Lyricist (Ashok Kumar Moirangthem for “Matam Nangbu”)
- Best Music Director (Tony Aheibam)
- Best Male Playback Singer (Arbin Soibam)
- And of course, Best Female Playback Singer for Pushparani
This sweep highlights how music forms the emotional core of Manipuri storytelling—it’s the invisible thread that ties plot, character, and culture together.
4. Pushparani’s Artistic Style – Why She Resonates
Have you ever heard a voice and felt at home? That’s Pushparani’s gift. Her singing is shaped by:
- Traditional Meitei melodies—she honors her roots in every performance.
- Modern pop sensibilities—her tone is fresh, clear, and adaptable.
- Emotional storytelling—her voice becomes a vessel for character and scene, making listeners feel the film’s heartbeat.
It’s this unique combo that earned her tracks like “Lei Lei,” “Choirabi,” and “Hairo” millions of streams—and rightfully so
5. The Role of Female Playback Singers in Manipur
While India’s mainstream film industries spotlight big-name singers, in Manipur, playback singers are cultural ambassadors. These women:
- Provide vocal identity to on-screen characters.
- Keep Meitei language and tunes alive in newer, wider formats.
- Inspire young female artists to pursue public expression in cultural art.
Pushparani’s triumph isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a moment of breaking barriers for women in Northeast Indian music.
Conclusion: A Melody That Echoes Beyond Awards
Pushparani Huidrom’s MSFA win isn’t just a trophy—it’s a celebration of culture, emotion, and progress. It honors a lifelong artist who’s given her heart to Meitei music, uplifted female voices, and brought Manipuri stories to light.
Her story reminds us: behind every award is a lifetime of dedication, and behind every song is a living culture. So here’s to her—a beacon for Northeast music and a melody that lingers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is “Matam Nangbu” about?
It’s a romantic Meitei song from the film Una Una, exploring themes of longing and emotional intimacy. - Who composed the song?
Lyricist Ashok Kumar Moirangthem wrote the lyrics, and Tony Aheibam composed the melody—both won awards for this work - Has Pushparani won MSFA awards before?
Yes, she’s won multiple times, including for songs like “Akangba Nachom” and others at MANIFA and MSFS in past years - What impact does this have on Northeast music?
Her win spotlights Meitei and Northeast talents, encouraging cultural exchange and boosting younger artists. - Where can I listen to her music?
Platforms like Spotify feature top streams like “Taningle” and “Lei Lei.” YouTube also hosts her official songs and live concert videos.
