All posts filed under: ARTISTS

Explore Local Artists and Know Their Stories

Rootsandleisure-Millo Sunka-arunachal

An Exclusive Interview with Millo Sunka from Arunachal on Winning ‘Best Leading Actress’ at The Rome Prisma Film Awards for ‘Nocturnal Burger’

Published by Roots & Leisure

Join us in celebrating the global recognition of a talented actor from Arunachal Pradesh, who has achieved great success through her passion for acting and staying true to her authentic self. Meet Millo Sunka from Arunachal Pradesh who recently won ‘Best Leading Actress’ at the 2023 Rome Prisma Film Awards, for her outstanding performance in ‘Nocturnal Burger.’  In this exclusive interview, Millo shares her emotions about the big win, discusses her work philosophy, and reveals her plans for the future. Hi Millo, Congratulations on winning the Best Actress award at the Prisma Rome International Film Awards for your performance at  ‘Nocturnal Burger.’ What kind of emotions are you feeling right now? Millo Sunka: Thank you. When I initially received the news, I was obviously very happy about it. But now, as the news spreads, the outpouring of support, love, and congratulatory messages has overwhelmed me. I don’t know how to process all of this, but I am grateful. “I am thankful to my director Reema Maya, who saw me as Simi. I am grateful to my parents …

Rootsandleisure_self-taught artist-sarah

“Painting Has Become My Confessional” An Interview with Self-Taught Artist Sarah from Nagaland

Published by Roots & Leisure

We recently connected with a budding artist from Nagaland, who was just starting her journey into the art world. We were intrigued to gain insight into an artist’s early experiences and thoughts, to explore their creative process in its nascent stages and discover their aspirations for the future of their art. Meet Sarah, a self-taught artist from Dimapur, Nagaland, whose earnest work caught our attention. Over a chat, we talk about her creative theme and process, the challenges that artists encounter when starting out, and her plan to explore socio-political narratives in her future artwork. She also shares how painting has become her confessional. For Sarah, every stroke on the canvas is a humble attempt to learn, accept and grow from every mistake made. R&L: To start off, could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, your hobbies etc. Sarah: My Ao (Naga) name is Temjen, but online, I often go by Sarah – a nickname lovingly given to me by my Aba. I pursued both my graduate and post-graduate studies …

Rootsandleisure_Jung Jathy

She Paints, She Crafts, and She Makes Funny Comics. Meet Jung Jathy from Nagaland

Published by Kumti

Interview by Kumti. Today’s guest is someone I have known since 2017. I met her while working on a festival project. A quiet and shy girl, and one of the most creative individuals – with excellent work ethic! She finally launched her own Insta art account called ‘Creatif by Jungjathy’ where she showcases her collection of creations – sketches in various formats, miniatures (one of my favs!), webtoons, idol/band illustrations, and more. I would like to introduce Imnajungla Jathy, or Jungjung – as most of us would like to call her. I have always been a distant admirer of her work ethic and creativity – and I, for sure would certainly trust her blindly if I needed help with any creative project. It was thus a pleasure to sit down with her today to chat about her work and more. Kumti: Hi Jung, please introduce yourself. Jung Jathy: Hi R&L fam, my name is Imnajungla Jathy, born and brought up in Kohima. An introverted extrovert who loves art, DIYs, designing, and anything arty-crafty. I am …

Rootsandleisure_resin-artist-Achila

She Turns Everyday Products Into Gorgeous Pieces of Art – Chat with Resin Artist Achila from Nagaland

Published by Kumti

2020, as we all know it, has taken a toll on all of us – and continues to restrict our life in new unexpected ways, even as we wind down another year. But today, I want to share a story about how this pandemic has turned out to be a blessing in disguise for some, as a part of our story series on ‘Covid Inspirations.‘ As I found myself in yet-another browsing sessions during the lockdowns, I came across a Youtube video of three quirky sisters from Nagaland – which I found pretty interesting. And as I dug deeper into their videos and story, I find out that one of the sisters runs a small creative corner on Instagram, called the ‘Nature Art Creativity.’  I was immediately blown away by an array of gorgeous resin art with intricate detailings made out of natural flowers, leaves, and what not! Most fascinating was the fact that all of this delicate artwork are actually things you can use in day-to-day life – like a comb, a soap case, …

NYIT Graduate Dominica Jamir from Nagaland Shares Her Excitement about AR and VR Going Mainstream – and Launching Her Own Company in New York

Published by Arepla Jamir

Interview by Supong Arep Growing up in Dimapur Nagaland, 25-year old Tiajungla Dominica Jamir discovered early on that she had a natural flair for computers, gaming – and everything tech. That led her to pursue a computer science degree in Bengaluru. But what we are about to chat about is the interesting journey she undertook post her graduation.  Being the ambitious go-getter that she is, she started exploring deeper into her interests in new-age technologies. That’s when she decided to go for a master’s degree in UX/UI Design and Development, from the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), New York City in 2019. She recently graduated summa cum laude (an honorary title used by educational institutions to signify a degree that was earned “with the highest distinction.”) and was the only Indian orator selected from among graduating students to speak at the NYIT 2021 Commencement. She is now on her way to becoming an entrepreneur by co-founding her own AR & VR based startup in NYC.  We chat with Dominica Jamir to get to know …

RootsandLeisure_artist_Mhademo Shitiri

This Young Artist from Nagaland is Winning Hearts and Art Commissions With His Realistic Pencil Portraits | Meet 23-year old Mhademo Shitiri

Published by Meribeni Ngullie

“It is ok to make mistakes, but it is not ok to give up.” ~ Wise words from 23-year old Mhademo Shitiri from Nagaland. This self-taught artist is famous for his realistic portrait sketches, and has a huge following of devoted admirers. Young Mhademo started drawing as a 5-year old, and today he has fans reaching out to him from as far as Dubai and Singapore. Not only that, he is able to earn a living using his talent and passion. Over a chat, we talk about his early memories of drawing as a young boy, his supportive parents, how his school (Don Bosco, Wokha) played a role in reinforcing his confidence in choosing this path, his most memorable fan message, and more. Read on.. Self-Taught Artist Mhademo Shitiri from Wokha, Nagaland Meribeni: Hi Mhademo, so excited to be having this chat. Huge fan of your work! Please introduce yourself to our R&L readers. Mhademo: I am Mhademo Shitiri, eldest among four siblings. I hail from Old Changsu Village in Nagaland, and I was born …

Rootsandleisure_Florence Lohu

Naga Tribes and Their Colorful Costumes Come Alive Through These Stunning Artwork by Florence Lohu from Nagaland

Published by Arepla Jamir

“Every good painter paints what he is.” — Jackson Pollock Introducing our bubbly and talented artist Florence Lohu from Nagaland. A self-taught watercolorist, her work truly is magnificent – in the way, she fills the hearts and minds of her viewers. I find her work truly artistic, and equally informative. Among her numerous sketches, the ones that stand out are the colorful illustrations on Nagaland, which have been, by far, the most captivating medium to learn about the numerous Naga tribes – and their one-of-a-kind array of costumes. To get a better sense of what I am talking about, I invite you to read on as I chat with Florence – and give you a glimpse of her artwork.  Chat with watercolorist Florence Lohu from Nagaland, known for her colorful illustrations on various tribes of Nagaland. Supong: Hi Florence, welcome to R&L! Please introduce yourself. Florence: Hi! I am Florence Lohu, a self-taught aspiring watercolorist. I belong to the Mao Naga tribe and was born and brought up in Kohima Nagaland. I am currently freelance …

Rootsandleisure_North east India musicians

A Song for Every Mood – Music and Musicians from North East India

Published by Roots & Leisure

  Over the weekend, we had a fun leisure chat with our readers, where we shared our current moods – in exchange for a song. By the end of the session, we had compiled a pretty good playlist of songs performed/written/composed by talented musicians from North East India. Scroll below to check out the list.  p.s: We have our weekly community chats on Instagram. Do visit for some fun. Also, remember to regularly check in on your friends – and ask how they are doing. “Very bad mood due to cramps” ~ @journalofhisdaughter Dedicating this song “Warrior’s Call” by Colored Keys Nagaland. Composed in two Naga dialects (Chakhesang and Angami) with a blend of tribal folk and contemporary western melody, this song is guaranteed to help you relax, and meditate. Breathe.    “Hopeful” ~ @ruchielal Play ‘Korou’ (meaning ‘Sunlight’ in Manipuri) by June Neelu Ft B.Maisnam from Manipur. A song about the beauty of nature… the sunrise, dews, birds, wind, and the mountains, this has been our go-to video for afternoon daydreaming and endless optimism. …

Rootsandleisure-Poets from North East India

World Poetry Day | Poets and Poetry from North East India

Published by Roots & Leisure

On World Poetry Day, we compile our list of local authors from North East India, who have penned their deepest, most personal thoughts through poetry. Showcasing the variety of writers from the region especially seems apt on an international day like this – a day, that is intended to promote linguistic diversity. Vancouver Shullai from Shillong – author of ‘How To Love A Broken Man’ “My poetry is, more often than not, a protest. There are poems that bring in a feel of the Romantics; they’re a lot like tea breaks from resentment. I hold every poem in equal regard because each of them comes from a place of extremely pure inspiration. To put it simply, I don’t force my poetry. If I feel it, I write it. If I don’t, I don’t.” ~ Vancouver Shullai Michelle Rungsung from Manipur – author of ‘Garden in a Graveyard’ “My readers are aware that most of my work revolves around my childhood memories and my home because it was where I began in the first place. I …

RootsandLeisure_photographer Ved-Assam

“I May End up Hating Photography If It Becomes My Bread & Butter; I Just Want to Click Photos and Make People Stop, Wonder, and Think.” – Photographer Ved from Assam

Published by Deno Dolie

I’d like to introduce Ved – a talented photographer and videographer friend of mine from Assam, whose work I’ve been following ever since I’ve met him (and worked with) at a university event in Jorhat back in 2019. A fellow traveler, he is always up for an adventure and a great conversationalist. For anyone meeting him for the first time, it is easy to spot his natural passion and love for his work – and life in general. With his go-getter attitude and an infectious positivity, I really enjoyed this chat with him.  Deno: Hi Ved, welcome to R&L! Please introduce yourself. Ved: I’m Ved, a photographer and videographer based in the quaint little town of Jorhat, Assam. I like to believe that photography runs in my blood because both my grandfathers were very talented photographers and I’ve grown up looking at framed black and white prints of their work. I started dabbling in photography from a young age but I developed the technical know-how much later. I got my first client when I was …