Ratan Thiyam, a renowned theatre personality, passed away on June 23 at the age of 77. He is credited with bringing attention to Manipuri performing arts and taking Indian theatre to the global stage. He took his last breath at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences around 1:30 am following a prolonged illness.
Who Was Ratan Thiyam?
Ratan Thiyam was an Indian theatre director and one of the pioneers of the ‘theatre roots’ movement in Indian theatre. Hailing from Imphal in Manipur, he established a theatre group named ‘Chorus Repertory Theatre’ in the city. He directed and produced many stage plays, including Uttar Priyadarshi, Kalidasa’s poem Ritusamharam, Andha Yug, Prologue, and When We Dead Awaken.
Before pursuing his career in theatre, he was a painter. In 1987, he won the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and later served as its vice-chairman.
He won many prestigious awards in his career, including the Indo-Greek Friendship Award, Kalidas Samman, Bharat Muni Samman, Bhupen Hazarika Foundation Award, John D. Rockefeller Award, Diploma of Cervantino International Festival, and many more. He was also honoured with Padma Shri in 1989.
Tributes:
The official social media page of Sahitya Academy, an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Culture, paid tribute to Ratan Thiyam and remembered his great work. The post read, “Sad to know that a very distinguished playwright, director, writer, scholar, leading personality of ‘Theatre of Roots’ and founder of Chorus Repertory Theatre, Sri Ratan Thiyam has passed away. He was one of the few directors who popularised ancient Indian traditions & touched millions of hearts through his works. His plays have been staged as well as adapted across the world. He will be missed in the Indian performance and literary circles.”
Sad to know that a very distinguished playwright, director, writer, scholar, leading personality of "Theatre of Roots" and founder of Chorus Repertory Theatre, Sri Ratan Thiyam has passed away. He was one of the few directors who popularized ancient Indian traditions & touched… pic.twitter.com/3syQ7izowJ
— Sahitya Akademi (@sahityaakademi) July 23, 2025
Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh also expressed his grief at Ratan Thiyam’s demise. He wrote on X, “With heavy hearts, I paid my tributes to Shri Ratan Thiyam and offered my heartfelt condolences to his family. Shri Ratan Thiyam was not only a towering icon of Indian theatre and culture but also a soul of rare depth, humility, and wisdom. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Manipur and the entire nation.”
With heavy hearts, I paid my tributes to Shri Ratan Thiyam and offered my heartfelt condolences to his family. Shri Ratan Thiyam was not only a towering icon of Indian theatre and culture but also a soul of rare depth, humility, and wisdom. His contributions have left an… pic.twitter.com/lMCZVQj0QM
— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) July 23, 2025
He added, “In this moment of profound loss, I stand with his family and loved ones, praying that they find the strength and solace to endure this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
