Doyen of Indian theatre Thiyam dies in Manipur at 77

World renowned theatre personality and Padma Shri awardee Thiyam Ratan passed away in Imphal on Wednesday. He was 77.
Thiyam is revered across the globe for his revolutionary contributions to modern drama breathed his last in the wee hours of today, at 1.30 am at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, following a prolonged illness.
One of India’s most acclaimed theatre directors, playwrights, and poets, Thiyam left 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.
Recently, the Manipur government honoured him with Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 in recognition of his lifetime devotion to the arts.
Born on January 20, 1948, in Nabadwip in West Bengal, Ratan Thiyam was raised in Imphal’s Haobam Dewan Leikai.
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.
Prominent politicians including former chief ministers – Okram Ibobi Singh and N Biren Singh, renowned film maker Aribam Syam were among a sea of mourners including artists, writers, and public figures who gathered at the Chorus Repertory Theatre Shrine at Samushang in Imphal West, to bid farewell.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla expressed deep sorrow, stating, “His invaluable contribution to Manipuri theatre and culture will always be remembered.”
Former Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh said that the passing of an international theatre personality is a great lost to Manipur in particular and the whole world in general, Ibobi said.
In a heartfelt condolence message, N Biren Singh stated, “It is with deep sorrow that I express my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Shri Ratan Thiyam, a true luminary of Indian theatre and an esteemed son of Manipur,” in a post on Facebook later.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called him a “leading light of the Theatre for Roots movement,” while offering his condolences.
He added, “He (Thiyam) 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.
Officials and trainers of the Shumang Leela Council, currently in Hojai of Assam for a Shumang Leela workshop, also paid heartfelt homage to late theatre legend Ratan Thiyam.
The team observed a solemn tribute in honour of the iconic figure, whose contributions to Indian theatre have left an indelible mark on the performing arts community.
Sangeet Natak Akademi and its associate bodies also deeply mourned the sad demise of Ratan Thiyam, an eminent playwright, director of Indian theatre and fellow of Sangeet Natak Akademi.
North East Zone Cultural Centre under the Union ministry of Culture also expressed its deepest sorrow to hear about the passing away of Padma Shri Ratan Thiyam.
NEZCC director Dr Prashanna Gogoi, on behalf of the cultural zone offered his heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
“Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Guru Ratan Thiyam was a true legend of Indian theatre. Through his work, he kept the rich traditions of Manipur alive and made them known to the world.
His creativity, dedication, and love for art inspired many people, especially young artists from Northeast,” the condolence message of the NEZCC director read.
“His absence is a great loss for our cultural family, but his vision and contribution will always guide us forward,” it added.