The curtains fell early this morning on a towering figure of Indian theatre as Padma Shri Ratan Thiyam, revered across the globe for his revolutionary contributions to modern drama, passed away at the age of 77. He breathed his last at 1:30 AM at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, following a prolonged illness.
One of India’s most acclaimed theatre directors, playwrights, and poets, Ratan Thiyam leaves behind a legacy that profoundly shaped contemporary Indian theatre. Known for his seamless blend of traditional Manipuri aesthetics with modern narrative form, his work resonated across cultures and continents. His theatre group, CHORUS Repertory Theatre, became a cultural ambassador for India, staging performances in the USA, France, Japan, and several European nations.
A graduate of the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, Thiyam later returned to the prestigious institute as its first-ever director from North East India. He also served as Director of the Jawaharlal Nehru Dance Academy in Manipur. His visionary theatre pieces—rich in poetry, political reflection, and visual mastery—earned him the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987 and the Padma Shri in 1989.
In recognition of his lifetime devotion to the arts, the Government of Manipur recently honoured him with the Lifetime Achievement Award 2025.
Born on January 20, 1948, in Nabadwip, West Bengal, Ratan Thiyam was raised in Imphal’s Haobam Dewan Lane. He was born into an illustrious family of artists—his father, Guru Thiyam Tarunkumar, was a revered Manipuri dance guru, and his mother, Bilasini Devi, a noted dancer. Thiyam’s artistry extended beyond the stage: he was also a painter, poet, lighting designer, music composer, and architect of visual storytelling.
A sea of mourners, including artists, writers, and public figures, gathered at the CHORUS Repertory Theatre Shrine in Samushang, Imphal West, to bid farewell. Among them were former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma, ex-MLA Dr. Loken, and many from the state’s cultural community.
Condolences poured in from across the country.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla expressed deep sorrow, stating, “His invaluable contribution to Manipuri theatre and culture will always be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and admirers.”
Bollywood actor Dolly Ahluwalia Tewari wrote, “A global loss to world theatre. The Ratan Thiyam—the force who brought me back to NSD and helped me earn the SNA Award. I was in awe of his vision and depth. Alvida, Sir.”
Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said, “His unwavering dedication to his craft, his vision, and his love for Manipuri culture enriched not only theatre but our very identity. His work carried the soul of Manipur—its stories, struggles, and beauty.”
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called him a “leading light of the Theatre for Roots movement,” adding, “He was a brilliant ambassador of the North East’s rich heritage, using art to reflect our collective aspirations.”
Manipur BJP president A. Sharda Devi remembered him as a “towering figure in theatre” and the only person from the region to head NSD. “His contributions to art, literature, and culture will echo for generations,” she wrote.
Ratan Thiyam’s legacy will endure in the rhythms of Manipuri dance, the pages of Indian drama, and the soul of every stage he graced. His vision elevated Indian theatre to global relevance, and his departure marks the end of an era—but not of the impact he leaves behind.