Choudhurimayum Nabachandra Sharma, fondly known as Naba Chakthekpi, passed away on Tuesday morning after battling the coronavirus for 45 days at the JNIMS hospital. He is survived by his wife, son, and five daughters.

Manipur State Film Development Society, MSFDS, where he worked described him as a multi-talented and resourceful individual, always doing his duties with a smile and charming everyone who came in contact with him with his sense of humour.

Nabachandra is also among the pioneers of playback singing in Sumang Leela, successfully establishing himself as a renowned playback singer, singing in a female voice. Some of the songs he sang are still remembered for their charming melody and unique rendition like Nangbu angangba khurou mapal asida khoiningna tongba uraktra, Ngasi loktak khongban asida e-nou nou-e eigi wakhal…

In honour of the departed soul, 2-minute silence was observed, followed by a candlelight vigil at the Monolith of Manipuri Cinema at MSFDS complex, Konung mamang, Imphal on Tuesday. With Nabachandra’s passing, MSFDS has lost altogether three of its staff to Covid-19.