From crisis to recognition: Manipuri child artist in BAFTA-winning film 'Boong' dreams of returning home

For 11-year-old Fary Khoirom, a child artist displaced by the ongoing violence in Manipur, the recent global recognition of the Manipuri film Boong at the BAFTA Awards has become a rare moment of hope amid uncertainty and hardship.

“I am really happy when the Manipuri film Boong bagged the BAFTA award. Being one of the child artists in the film gives me immense hope,” Fary told India Today NE, reflecting on the emotional moment when the film became the first Indian production to win the BAFTA Award for Best Children’s and Family Film.

For many children displaced by the conflict that erupted in Manipur in May 2023, life has been defined by loss—of homes, security, and childhood innocence. Yet the global success of Boong has brought a brief but meaningful sense of pride and encouragement for families living in relief camps.

From a village home to a relief camp

Fary, the daughter of Khoirom Robin and Khoirom Mercy, originally hails from Langthabal Matrikhong Mayai Leikai in Imphal West. Due to her father’s work, the family later settled at Senjam Chirang Maning Leikai, a peripheral village located between Imphal West and Kangpokpi.

However, the eruption of ethnic violence in May 2023 forced the family to flee their home. Since then, they have been living in a relief camp at Khurkhul Mandop Yumfam in Imphal West.

“We left our farmland and property worth crores when the crisis broke out,” said Fary’s mother Mercy. “Those days were devastating, but we had no option other than to adjust to the harsh reality.”

The big moment

Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong was produced under the banner of Excel Entertainment, led by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani.

In the film, Fary played the role of a young Burmese girl and stepsister to the protagonist, portrayed by child actor Gugun Kipgen. Other young performers included Angom Sanamatum and Nemetia Ngangbam.

Though her role was brief, it was significant for the young actor who secured it after successfully clearing three rounds of auditions.

“It was beyond my expectations. Many talented children came for the auditions, so I never thought I would be selected,” she recalled. “Getting the opportunity to act in Boong was one of the happiest moments of my life.”

A film rooted in emotion

The story of Boong revolves around a nine-year-old boy named Brojendra Singh—nicknamed Boong—who dreams of finding his long-missing father and presenting him as a surprise gift to his mother, played by Bala Hijam. During his journey, the boy meets Fary’s character in the border town of Moreh, where much of the film was shot.

According to Fary’s parents, the film crew spent about 15 days shooting in Moreh, completing the schedule before the family returned home on April 28, 2023—just days before the violence erupted across the state on May 3.

Dreams interrupted

Life in the relief camp has been far removed from the excitement of the film set.

“The room in the camp is very small and crowded,” Fary said. “There is a lot of noise, which disturbs my studies. I wish I could go back home soon.”

Her mother added that the conditions have also affected Fary’s passion for acting. Before appearing in Boong, the young artist had already acted in another Manipuri film, Manglangi Epaktuda. Remarkably, she developed her acting skills on her own—practicing in front of a mirror without any formal training.

“After we moved to the relief camp, she lost some of her patience and interest in acting,” Mercy said. “Children here have lost the comfort and happiness they once had.”

A moment of pride

Despite the hardships, the BAFTA victory has given the family renewed strength.

Fary said she learned about the achievement through social media and felt overwhelmed watching director Lakshmipriya Devi receive the award on stage.

“When I saw Lakshmipriya Madam receiving the BAFTA and giving her speech, I felt emotional and speechless,” she said.

For a young girl who once stood before the camera on a film set in Manipur’s border town, the moment carried a deeper meaning. It was not just a cinematic milestone—it was a symbol of resilience and hope for thousands of children whose lives have been upended by conflict.

Yet for Fary Khoirom, the biggest dream remains simple: to return home and live the life she once knew.