(November 10, 2022 ) At 20, Lukanand Kshetrimayum is not just the first runner up at the 14th Mr International 2022 pageant but also a filmmaker with 12 years of experience. With his winning performance at the global pageantry platform, he is being counted amongst the stars of Manipur – Mary Kom, Meerabhai Chanu and Ashalata Devi.
It was after a gap of three years that Mr International returned, owing to pandemic, with the last one held in Manila, Philippines in 2019.
Lukanand Kshetrimayum
For the young lad, each platform – be it films or pageant – is a podium of advocacy.
Minutes after winning the title at Cubao, Quizon City, Philippines, he told the media:
Through my films, I indulge in advocacy for sensitive issues relevant to society like mental health of children, and drug abuse. This competition provided me an opportunity to take advocacy to a global platform.
Coincidentally, it was in the Philippines that 28 years ago Sushmita Sen was crowned Miss Universe, becoming the first Indian to win the coveted pageant. The youngster from Manipur looks up to her as a role model who has since been an inspiration to a whole generation of people trying to make India proud in the world of pageantry.
“I feel very lucky that people of India are supporting me, it’s their love that I am progressing so much,” said Lukanand about the love and encouragement he got from the Indian diaspora in the Philippines. Though his parents couldn’t make it, his aunt flew from India to cheer for him on his big day.
Lukanand during the national costume round at the 14th Mr International pageant
Filmmaker at eight
Lukanand entered the world of film direction when he was just eight, becoming the youngest filmmaker in Manipur. He used to even write the script and lyrics, without getting exhausted with the entire process of filmmaking at that tender age.
The student of Maria Montessori Senior Secondary School, Imphal had participated and won in CBSE filmmaking competitions during his school days. It’s under the banner of ‘Marvels of North East India’ that CBSE runs these competitions to promote awareness about culture and traditions of the north eastern states, awarding winners of short films with cash prizes.
This served as an impetus for the young boy to begin a career in filmmaking quite early in life. Since films shot on mobile phones were also acceptable by CBSE, he shot his first few films on his mobile phone. This soon translated into a passion for filmmaking and governed the future course of direction for the Imphal boy. He ended up directing Manipuri teleplays like Ram Lakshman (2010), Thambel Parang (2010) and T.A.K (2011), along with Manipuri documentaries like Sangai (2013).
It was in 2014 that he shifted gears to feature films and made his directorial debut with Asengba Saktam in 2014. His last film Meitan Araba, which was released at the Manipur State Development Society in Imphal in 2019, bagged two Manipuri State Film Awards and seven Sahitya Seva Samiti Manipuri Film awards.
Being a jack of all trades, he even released some Manipuri songs – Emotionless (2014), Hanglanu (2021), and Laibak Pheida (2021). In between, he picked up modelling assignments and print shoots for apparel brands and also won some local pageants.
Lukanand welcomed at his school
For someone who began making films at a young age, he isn’t camera shy. And Mr International 2022 was a culmination of sorts for the young lad.
Living every moment
“I have enjoyed every moment backstage and on stage,” he said, talking about the time he spent in the Philippines with 34 other contestants from all over the globe. The rich experiences that the pageant provided embodied the essence of winning for the multifaceted youngster who loved Philippines’ hospitality. He looks forward to strengthening the ties between the two countries through cultural exchange initiatives.
It’s good progress for Indians to represent themselves on global platforms and leave a mark. India loves progress.
The youngster who feels that winning is just the tip of the iceberg. More than winning, what one does after that to serve the community is what matters.
Apart from Sushmita Sen, he idolises reigning Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu who is using her success at the global pageant for the benefit of others. “There should not be objectification of beauty. Looks should be skin deep and about giving voices to the issues bothering the community.”
It’s not about the individual – but society
“All 35 of us are winners. We are from different communities and religions, it’s just that one of us took the crown home,” said the model who looked at the final outcome as not any personal win rather an opportunity to do impactful work for the society.
The youngster, who started modelling in 2016, not just makes films but also organises workshops and free scholarship programmes in film making to empower the youth to have a career in the industry.
Proud of his country
Lukanand returned to a rousing welcome from the people of Imphal.
The youngster who is not just in love with his state but his entire country, said to the media minutes after his win:
Indians are warm people. Despite differences, we learn from diversity of each other. I am very proud of where I come from.
The Manipur boy believes in fighting negativity and looks at setbacks as a step to bounce higher. He hopes for more youngsters to embrace pageantry with a larger purpose of impacting the society in a positive way.
Connoisseur of regional cinema
“We need to inspire ourselves. We are looking at perfection around, but perfection comes from within you,” says the youngster who finds Bollywood a good industry and commercially viable too but at the same time stresses on the need of promoting the regional industries that are unheard of like the Manipuri film industry. “People are working hard equally whether it is Bollywood or regional cinema, so such industries should also be encouraged.”
Now that he is back, the youngster is looking forward to growing, learning and experimenting more in filmmaking and also eating spicier food after months of being on a strict diet.
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