Mister International 2022 Lukanand Kshetrimayum to debut in pan-India historical epic Birangana Xaadhani

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 18, 2025

Mister International 2022 titleholder Lukanand Kshetrimayum is set to make his acting debut in the upcoming historical feature film Birangana Xaadhani, directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Biswajeet Bora.

Produced by the Sootiya Development Council under a cultural initiative of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the film is one of the Northeast’s most ambitious cinematic projects. Slated for release later this year in Hindi, Assamese, Telugu, and multiple other languages, it seeks to bring Assam’s heritage to audiences across India.

Lukanand plays Maharaja Nitipal, the last king of the Sootiya dynasty—once a humble villager who rose to kingship and became the husband of Queen Sati Sadhani. To prepare, he underwent four years of intensive acting and action workshops under the guidance of National School of Drama alumni.

“Portraying Maharaja Nitipal connects me deeply to Assam’s rich heritage,” Lukanand said. “As a non-Assamese speaker, I have poured my soul into this film for the past four years. This is not just a role, it is a responsibility.”

He added that his goal is to present Assam’s legacy with authenticity and pride: “As someone who has represented the Northeast on international platforms, I feel an even greater duty to ensure our history is told with respect. I hope Birangana Xaadhani sparks renewed interest in our cultural narratives and reminds the world of the richness of the Northeast’s past.”

Lukanand first rose to fame after winning Mega Mister North East in 2019, which became a stepping stone to being crowned Mister International India the same year. Representing India at the Mister International 2022 pageant in the Philippines, he initially placed as first runner-up, but was later officially declared the winner by the Mister International Organization.

At just 22, in 2024, he was appointed Managing Director of the global Mister International Organization—one of the youngest ever to lead an international pageant platform.

Even before stepping into the limelight, Lukanand had a strong creative presence in filmmaking. His 2015 Manipuri feature Nouwa Eikhoibu drew critical acclaim, while Meitan Araba (2019) won Best Feature Film and Best Direction at the Manipur State Film Awards, when he was only 16.

Alongside his work in fashion and entertainment, he has consistently championed youth leadership, mental health awareness, and work culture reforms, using his platforms to spark meaningful dialogue.

Currently 90% complete, Birangana Xaadhani is poised to become one of Assam’s landmark productions, blending history, culture, and cinematic scale. By year-end, it is expected to reach theatres across India, putting an untold chapter of Assam’s history on the national stage.