Meet the Queen of Comedic Satire from Kohima: Merenla Imsong

Raised in the picturesque state of Nagaland, Merenla Imsong was a child with a flair for the dramatic. Growing up in the hills of Kohima, she found solace and joy in mimicking her family and friends. Little did she know that this innate ability to entertain would one day catapult her into the social media spotlight.

Merenla moved to New Delhi to pursue a degree at Hansraj College. However, soon after that the allure of the entertainment industry beckoned, and Merenla Imsong made the bold decision to move to Mumbai in pursuit of her theatrical aspirations. She took on various roles, including that of an assistant designer, to support herself while auditioning for plays and commercials.

From one viral video to 79.7K subscribers on YouTube

Imsong’s life took a dramatic turn when her YouTube video, “Presumptuous Chinky assumes the North Indian way,” went viral. The video, a satirical take on the stereotypes faced by Northeastern people, particularly those living in Delhi, resonated with audiences on a national level. With her sharp wit and impeccable comic timing, she exposed the ignorance and prejudice often directed towards people from the region. This viral success catapulted her into the limelight, establishing her as a voice for the Northeastern community.

Mainstream break in Axone

Beyond her comedic prowess, Imsong has made significant strides in the film industry. Her debut film, “Shuruaat Ka Twist,” marked the beginning of her acting career. However, it was her role in the critically acclaimed “Axone” that catapulted her to national prominence. The film, a powerful portrayal of racism against Northeastern people. Furthermore, struck a chord with audiences and brought the issue to the forefront.

It was a deeply personal experience for Imsong, as the story resonated with her own encounters with prejudice and stereotypes. The film delved into the everyday racism faced by people from Northeastern India, a subject close to her heart.

Interestingly, the film’s title, “Axone,” refers to a fermented soybean delicacy popular in Nagaland. The strong, pungent aroma of axone is a characteristic that Imsong often associates with the film’s impact. In various interviews after the film released, she recalls days spent filling her home with the fragrance of burning incense sticks to mask the intense smell of the delicacy while cooking it, a small but telling detail that reflects the challenges of preserving one’s cultural identity amidst a dominant culture. One particularly harrowing incident that deeply impacted her involved a visit from the police to her Delhi residence on suspicion of cooking dog meat, a cruel stereotype often associated with Northeastern Indians. This experience, among others, fueled her determination to use her platform to raise awareness about the discrimination faced by her community.

Creating content that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking..

Merenla is a versatile creator who makes all kinds of great comedic content. Moreover, like the reel above which already has 8.8M views! However, Imsong’s ability to blend humor with cultural nuances is what sets her apart. Her content resonates with people from all walks of life, but it holds a special place in the hearts of Northeastern Indians who see a reflection of their own families and communities in her work. Her comedy, characterized by its self-deprecating humor and sharp observations, has earned her a dedicated following. From poking fun at herself and her roots to highlighting the challenges faced by Northeastern people, Imsong’s content is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

One of Imsong’s most popular creations, Aunty Narola is a caricature of a stereotypical, overbearing Naga aunty. With her exaggerated accent, dramatic gestures, and hilariously oblivious nature, her aunty Narola videos become an internet sensation. From giving unsolicited advice to sharing bizarre life hacks, the character captured the hearts of audiences with her quirky charm.

Beyond her comedic genius and acting prowess, Imsong has emerged as a strong voice for the Northeast. With 128K followers on Instagram, she’s built a strong social media community. Through her work, she has shed light on the challenges faced by people from the region and has helped to break down stereotypes. She has become a role model for aspiring artists from the Northeast. However, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and embrace their identity merenla imsong.