Kiran Engtipi
Karbi actress
Among the new generation of Karbi actresses, who grabbed the attention of the audience for their acting skills and beauty is Kiran Engtipi. She has done both feature films and also music videos. In this issue of Unheard Voices, we talk to her to know more about her life and work.
TDE: Tell us about your date of birth, place of birth, and parents.
Kiran: I was born on 9th February 1999 in Dimapur. My parents are Lt. Ratan Engti and Lotika Teronpi. I have a younger brother – Karan Engti and he is pursuing his studies at Eastern College, Hanjanglangso. We are permanent residents of Gandhipur Mohori Teron village, but I am presently residing in Hatigarh, under Ward No. 1 of Bokajan.
TDE: When did you begin your schooling? Tell us about your educational career.
Kiran: I have done my high school studies at DVN School, Dimapur (Nagaland) and cleared my HSLC in the 2016. Then I joined Bokajan Higher Secondary School and completed my HS in 2018. In 2022, I completed my Bachelor’s degree from Pranab Jubilee College, Bokajan.
TDE: As a child, what were your hobbies and aim for life?
Kiran: As a child, I had many fanciful dreams. I wanted to become a doctor. However, due to certain circumstances in life, I could not fulfill that aim. Apart from my studies, as a child, I was also fond of dancing and singing.
TDE: How did you develop an interest in acting? Who is your inspiration?
Kiran: At first, I was never interested in acting for my aims and hobbies were doing something else. I’ve no idea how I ended up acting.
I would say Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor is my inspiration. The way she had worked to achieve success in the film industry inspires me a lot. Above all things, I love her acting.
TDE: When did you do your first project as an actress? Was it a full-length film or a video album?
Kiran: It was in 2019 when I got my first call for a shooting. It was a music video.
TDE: Can you tell our readers the names of some films and video albums you have done? Which is your favourite? Why?
Kiran: To date, I have done only two feature films – ‘Facebook Akai’ and ‘Artu’. Both films have been loved by the public and their support is giving me more strength to work harder on my upcoming projects.
I have done more music videos, among them are ‘Nang henlo ne pirthe’, ‘Oh kanghon’, ‘Ne chethe, Kamunthi’, and others. ‘Nang henlo ne pirthe’ is my all-time favourite and the closest to my heart. This is because, this is the project which gave me an identity as an actress in the Karbi films industry.
TDE: Between feature films and video albums, which one do you enjoy doing more?
Kiran: I would say, music videos because it doesn’t take time as much as full movies do. Also, I’m a kind of lazy person so I love doing music videos more than films. However, I would love to do films too because it might take some time but I get to learn so many things while doing films. Also, it is by working in full-length movies that an actor gets the opportunity to express their acting skills more brilliantly.
TDE: How important is physical fitness for an actress? What do you do to keep yourself fit and energetic?
Kiran: It’s very much important to be fit, it is the first thing in an actor that attracts attention from audiences. I go for a walk in the morning daily to stay fit. Also, I do not eat heavy meals.
TDE: In the present situation, can Karbi actors and actresses earn enough to support their livelihood?
Kiran: I would say no. There are not enough opportunities available for Karbi artists. There are very few producers who are ready to invest in making films. Also, what we get paid can only last like a week, or sometimes it doesn’t even last a week.
TDE: Apart from acting, what are the others you like doing?
Kiran: Besides acting, I like singing and sometimes cooking.
TDE: How has your acting journey been so far?
Kiran: It has been very good. I have got to learn so many things and know so many people and most important the love I got from my people.
TDE: Do you have dreams to move out of Karbi Anglong and work with bigger film industries?
Kiran: Yes, if I get the opportunity, I would love to work in Bollywood too. However, that is a very far-off thing in the present. I need to work harder and develop myself more in various fields. Nevertheless, I will not stop trying and be always ready to grab any opportunity that knocks on my door.
TDE: What will be your message to your fans, especially the youths who are still trying to figure out their purpose in life?
Kiran: I don’t have much to say for I am in my own struggling period. Since I have got this chance, I would appeal to the youths not to compare themselves with anyone. They must dare to dream big and try to fulfill that dream by working harder and harder. Don’t remain aimless, aim bigger dream bigger, and work harder.