Renowned theatre icon Ratan Thiyam passes away at 77

Theatre personality and Padma Shri awardee Ratan Thiyam died at a hospital in Imphal on Wednesday.

He was 77.Thiyam died at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences early on Wednesday after a prolonged illness.

A recipient of India's fourth-highest civilian award -- Padma Shri in 1989 -- and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award winner in 1987, Thiyam was famous for blending traditional Manipuri art forms with modern craft, innovation and poetic narratives.

Founder of the Imphal-based Chorus Repertory Theatre in 1976, Thiyam briefly served as the chief of the New Delhi-based National School of Drama from 1987 to 1988.

Some of the other notable awards that Thiyam had received were the Kalidas Samman (1997), Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration (2008), Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (2012), and Tagore Ratna (2012).

The most recent one was the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Manipur government on the occasion of the 54th Statehood Day in January this year for his unparalleled service to the state's theatre and cultural heritage.

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, former Chief Minister N Biren Singh, state BJP President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi also expressed their grief over the death of Thiyam, and said his work carried the soul of Manipur.

Ajay Kumar Bhalla, expressed deep sorrow on the demise of renowned theatre personality and Padma Shri awardee Thiyam Ratan. The Governor stated that his invaluable contribution to Manipuri theatre and culture will always be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and admirers," a post of the Raj Bhavan X handle said.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said: "Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Ratan Thiyam , a visionary who redefined Indian theatre by blending contemporary form with the cultural soul of Manipur.

Through his art, he not only elevated the cultural identity of his homeland but left an indelible mark on the landscape of Indian performing arts. His legacy will continue to inspire."

"Heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and all who admired his art. May he rest in peace," CM Sangma said.

Singh, in a post on X, said: "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. His unwavering dedication to his craft, his vision, and his love for Manipuri culture enriched not only the world of theatre but also our very identity."

"His work carried the soul of Manipur, echoing its stories, its struggles, and its beauty. May his soul rest in peace and his spirit continue to live on in the works he leaves behind and in the countless lives he inspired. May we all find strength in remembering his immense contributions to our cultural landscape," the former Chief Minister said.

The Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) held a candlelight memorial at the Memorial Stone of Manipuri Cinema within the MSFDS complex. The solemn gathering, open to the public, was organised to offer the film community’s final respects to Ratan Thiyam—not just a titan of theatre, but one of the finest artists Manipur has ever produced.

“Though his medium was theatre, his influence transcended disciplines—deeply inspiring Manipuri cinema, visual storytelling, and the state’s broader cultural imagination. The glowing candles, lit in reverence, will stand as flickers of the enduring legacy he leaves behind,” said MSFDS Secretary Sunzu Bachaspatimayum.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee mourned his death, “I mourn the demise of Ratan Thiyam, the icon of Manipuri Theatre and a true legend who put Manipuri theatre on the global map. His unique blend of tradition and experiment enriched Indian performing arts immensely and resonated worldwide. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and followers.”