In this issue of Unheard Voices, we got the opportunity to interact with one of the most popular Karbi actors of the present time – Prince Ronghang alias Upendra Ronghang. We will learn about his past and present life and his visions for the future.
TDE: Tell us about your date of birth, place of birth, and parents.
Prince: I was born on 12th June 1995 in Biswanath Chariali. Currently, I am living in Pabhoi Missamari Ronghang village with my father and four younger brothers with me. I lost my mother a few years ago.
TDE: When did you begin your schooling? Tell us about your educational career.
Prince: I studied at Diring Pathar English High School in Biswanath. I completed my B.A. graduation from Biswanath College in the year 2018.
TDE: As a child, what were your hobbies and aim for life?
Prince: As a child, I wanted to become a supermodel. I was very much interested in modeling but somehow didn’t get an opportunity to pursue the career. I love cooking, gardening and also singing during my spare time.
TDE: How did you develop an interest in acting? Who was/is your inspiration?
Prince: At the beginning, I was not so interested in acting. One of my friends, who is also a director from my place (Nandeswar Teron) influenced me to make one video album in the year 2018. After that video I got immense love and support from the viewers and that inspired me to decide for continuing it.
TDE: When did you do your first project as an actor?
Prince: My first video project as an actor was just music album with Ristina Phangchopi in the year 2018. The title to the album was ‘High Heels’.
TDE: Which are your favourite albums? Why?
Prince: Among all the video albums I have done, “Malong Athare” is my favourite. This is because the video has given an important message through music that if you work hard, it will surely pay you back. This video motivates me to work harder with confidence and dedication.
I am happy to have worked with my dear friend Lipson Hanse, who was always there to support me and pushed me to do more and more. So, I extend my gratitude to him for everything he had done for me.
TDE: What type of role do you enjoy doing? Why?
Prince: I love all types of roles in front of the camera. I would love to experiment with my roles in the coming days and gain more experience and opportunities to learn from them.
TDE: How important is physical fitness for an actress? What do you do to keep yourself fit and energetic?
Prince: I would say that not only actors but each one of us should keep ourselves healthy and happy. If the body is healthy then our mental ability will also be healthy too. I usually practice Yoga at home and drink a lot of water.
TDE: At the present situation, can actors and actresses earn enough to support their livelihood?
Prince: I would say yes because I’ve seen actors who are our inspiration living their lives to the fullest. By doing my part-time job and acting at the same time, I am enjoying my life and also able to support my livelihood.
TDE: Apart from acting, what are the others you like doing?
Prince: Apart from acting I like doing household chores like cleaning the house, cooking, gardening and listening to music. My acting journey till today has been extremely joyful. I’ve learned many new things and have experienced a lot of new things. I have made new friends, visited new places and even got the opportunity to meet some of those persons whom I consider my idols. I know that there is more to do and so much more to achieve, but I must admit that I never thought I would come this far.
TDE: Do you have dreams to move out of Karbi Anglong and work with bigger film industries across the nation?
Prince: Yes, I would love to.
TDE: Who is your favorite among all Karbi actresses? Whose voice do you love the most as a playback singer?
Prince: Among the favourite Karbi actresses are Hewali Teronpi and Mamoni Beypi. Among the playback singers I love the most are Bijoy Lekthe, Prem Terang, Akangsha Enghipi and Nitu Timungpi.
TDE: Tell us about the struggles and difficulties you have faced in life. How did you keep yourself strong in the tough times?
Prince: Everyone has their own struggle time so do I, and I am struggling. I would like to share two memorable incidents of my life. It was in the early days of my acting career that one director approached me to do some videos with him. I agreed to his offer and did the work. However, he did not pay me for the hard work. I needed money very much; my mother was admitted in the hospital fighting for her life as she was battling with 3rd stage cancer. I use to leave my ailing mother at the hospital go to do the videos. I was betrayed and that pained me.
In another incident, it was the time I was engaged for doing ‘Malong Athare.’ My financial condition is not very stable so had no good clothes to wear. To manage my dresses for the video I used to purchase cheap clothes from the nearby weekly Saturday market. In fact, all the shirts I have worn in the video were used (second-hand) clothes.
What kept me standing firm and confident was the support of my parents and family members. In every situation, they gave me unconditional love and care that made me feel stronger.
TDE: What will be your message to your fans, especially the youths who are still trying to figure out their purpose in life?
Prince: I am giving this message as an elder brother and as a friend and also as a son to take things in a positive way. Finding purpose in life is an endeavor that continues throughout life, as people will become mature and their outlook on life changes, in order to avoid wasting time and doing nothing.
Try to improve your confidence level and communication skills. In this competitive world, we must try to be ourselves and work hard with dedication to make our parents proud. Whatever you want to do- do it positively and with a confident approach and outlook. Give your 100% to your work, so that your energy and time do not go wasted.