Ithoi Oinam is an Indian film actress who appears in Manipuri films. She made her lead debut as a child actor in Chan-Thoibi (2009), a film shot on a Nokia N70 and created entirely by children under 12. Since 2014, she has transitioned to prominent roles in mainstream Manipuri cinema and has received two Best Actor in a Leading Role – Female awards, one each from the Manipur State Film Awards and the MANIFA.
She is best known for her roles in films like Amukta Ani, It's Not My Choice, Larei Lathup, Tharoi Ahambei Mahao, Eigi Nupi Tamnalai, Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida!, and Nongmei Paiba Rapist.
Career Born into a filmmaking family, Ithoi Oinam made her early screen appearances at the age of 3–4 in films directed by her father, the late Oinam Sanou. Her debut role as a child actor came with Chan-Thoibi (2009), directed by Priyakanta Laishram, a film made entirely by children under the age of 12, in which she portrayed a stepmother.
Her transition from child artist to mature roles began with her appearance in the music video album Haakhinu Thamoi (2014), followed by supporting roles in films such as Amukta Ani, Sira Shi Changa Chang, Mr. Khadang, Nungshi Feijei, and Eikhoi Pabunggi.
Ithoi gained recognition for her role in It's Not My Choice (2015), directed by Priyakanta Laishram, where she starred alongside Bishesh Huirem as an LGBTQ ally. The film, acclaimed both in India and abroad, was notably adapted into Thai in 2024, the first Indian short film to receive such an adaptation, and the first short film from Northeast India to surpass one million views on YouTube. Her portrayal of the character Ayeengbi in the film received critical acclaim.
She went on to star in several popular feature films, including Satlo Leirang Satlo, Hoo Sangom, Larei Lathup, Eigi Nupi Tamnalai, and Khomlang Laman further establishing herself as a leading actress in Manipuri cinema.
In 2021, Ithoi portrayed the character Laaija in the non-feature film Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida!, directed by Priyakanta Laishram. Her performance as a young woman who remains steadfast in her principles despite romantic challenges received positive reviews from critics. The Sangai Express praised Ithoi's performance as Laaija in the film, highlighting her portrayal as a powerful depiction of self-preservation and personal strength.The Signpost News described her performance in the film as “one of her most mature and layered performances—measured, dignified, and emotionally honest.”
In 2022, Ithoi received recognition for her work in film, winning the Best Actress in a Lead Role award at the SSS MANIFA 2023 for her performance in Nongmei Paiba Rapist, directed by Robita Leima. She also received the Best Actor (Female) award at the 15th Manipur State Film Awards 2023 for her role in Tharoi Ahambei Mahao, directed by Khoibam Homeshwori.
She was nominated for Best Actor Female Northeast at the Prag Cine Awards 2025 for her role as Thaballeima in the 2024 film Yahouthengba Khoimu.
Accolades AwardCategoryFilmResult 15th Manipur State Film Awards 2023 Best Actor in a Leading Role - Female Tharoi Ahambei Mahao 11th MANIFA 2023 Best Actor in a Leading Role - Female Nongmei Paiba Rapist Prag Cine Awards Northeast 2025Best Actor in a Leading Role - FemaleYahouthengba Khoimu
Selected filmography YearTitleRoleDirector2014Amukta AniLaisnaRomi Meitei2015It's Not My ChoiceAyeengbiPriyakanta LaishramNungshi FeijeiThoiChou En Lai2016Henna NungaijeiIthoiKepidasEikhoi PabunggiTeenagerHemanta Khuman2017Nungshi Feijei 2ThoiChou En LaiMr. KhadangLanglenChou En Lai2018Sanagi NgaManglembiRomi Meitei2019Mutlamdai ThaomeiAminaSudhir KangjamWakchingi LenManithoiba's sisterBijgupta Laishram2021Satlo Leirang SatloThambalOjitbabu NingthoujamLarei LathupLeirangOjitbabu NingthoujamSpaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida!LaaijaPriyakanta Laishram2022Tharoi Ahambei MahaoNganthoiKhoibam HomeshworiNongmei Paiba RapistLamjingbi's motherRobita LeimaThamoigee MakholLinthoiBimol PhibouHoo SangomTharikthaOjitbabu Ningthoujam2023Sajibugee LeihaoKebiBijgupta LaishramAshengba EralTarubiOC Meira2024Eigi Nupi TamnalaiPunshiOjitbabu NingthoujamKhomlang LamanSanathoiOC MeiraThambal LeikhokThambalsanaKhoibam Homeshwori2025Yahouthengba KhoimuThaballeimaRakesh NaoremCheinaNingthibeeGeet YumnamNangbu Nungshiduna HinglibaniMalotiKhoibam HomeshworiYotki ThamoiTanoubiOjitbabu NingthoujamWari LoidriLinthoiOjitbabu NingthoujamNupadi Sanani?NongthangleimaA. Robita LeimaNungshithoi Eigee ThoiThoiBB Surjit2026Sana TalloiKhoibam HomeshworiUpcomingAroiba WayelBinoranjan OinamThamoigi PourolGeet YumnamGame OverDalom GurumayumSingjamei NingolPaari LuwangLoktak Paatki LilyI.S. Gurung
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