Imphal, Aug 18: Mister International India 2019 and Mister International 2022 titleholder, Lukanand Kshetrimayum from Manipur, is all set to make his first acting debut in the upcoming Birangana Xaadhani, a historical feature film by National award-winning filmmaker Biswajeet Bora. Bora is a well-known filmmaker in both Assamese and Hindi films.
The film is being produced by the Sootiya Development Council under a cultural initiative by the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma. Considered as one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken in Northeast India in terms of scale and production, the film which aims to achieve a strong pan-India reach, is scheduled for release later this year in Hindi, Assamese, Telugu, and other languages.
In the upcoming film, Lukanand portrays Maharaja Nitipal, the last king of the historic Sootiya dynasty—a simple villager who rose to become king and husband to Queen Sati Sadhani. To prepare for the role, he underwent intensive acting and action workshops for four years, training under alumni from the National School of Drama.
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Talking about the upcoming film, Lukanand shared that, “Portraying Maharaja Nitipal connects me deeply to Assam’s rich heritage. As a non-Assamese speaker, I have poured my soul into this movie over the last four years. It is not just a role—it is a responsibility. To step into the shoes of a historical figure from Assam and bring his story alive on screen is profoundly humbling. I thank the director, Biswajeet Bora, for entrusting me with this character.”
“As someone who has represented the region on international platforms, I feel an even greater sense of duty to ensure our history is told with authenticity and respect. This film gives me the opportunity to present a piece of Assam’s legacy to national and global audiences—something I consider both an honour and a calling. I hope Birangana Xaadhani sparks renewed interest in our cultural narratives and reminds people around the world of the richness of Northeast India’s past,” he added.
Lukanand first came into the limelight after winning the title of Mega Mister North East in 2019. This platform became a launchpad for his national and international journey. That same year, he was crowned Mister International India. Representing India at the Mister International 2022 pageant in the Philippines, he initially secured the first runner-up title but was later officially awarded the prestigious Mister International 2022 crown by the Mister International Organization, stepping up as the winner a few months after the finale.
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Beyond pageantry, Lukanand has long been engaged in creative storytelling. A filmmaker since childhood, he has written and directed several Manipuri films and teleplays. His film Nouwa Eikhoibu (2015) received critical acclaim, and his later work Meitan Araba (2019) went on to win Best Feature Film and Best Direction at the Manipur State Film Awards, at the young age of 16, showcasing his early promise as a filmmaker with a strong narrative voice.
In 2024, at just 22 years old, Lukanand was appointed Managing Director of the Mister International Organization, becoming one of the youngest individuals to lead an international pageant platform. His appointment was seen as a reflection of his commitment to empowering a global brand and promoting inclusive representation in global forums.
Throughout his journey, Lukanand has used his platform to advocate for work culture among youth, mental health awareness, and youth leadership. Known for his articulate communication and grounded presence, he continues to be a voice for constructive change, using his influence to spark meaningful conversations beyond glamour.
Currently 90% complete, Birangana Xaadhani is poised to hit theatres across India by the end of the year, bringing an untold chapter of Assam’s history to national attention.