July 23, 2025: India’s theatre world lost one of its most revered pioneers today with the passing of Ratan Thiyam, a Padma Shri awardee and a towering figure in the country’s performing arts landscape. The acclaimed playwright and director breathed his last early Wednesday morning at his residence in Imphal, Manipur, at the age of 77.
Widely regarded as one of the pioneers of India’s “Theatre of Roots” movement, Thiyam was known for seamlessly blending traditional Indian and Manipuri art forms with modern, thought-provoking narratives. His internationally recognized productions like Chakravyuha and Ritusamharam combined lyrical storytelling with strong sociopolitical messaging, earning him accolades across the globe.
Political Leaders and Artists Pay Tribute
The news of his demise prompted an outpouring of grief from leaders, artists, and admirers across the Northeastern region and the country.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his heartfelt condolences on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“A leading light of the Theatre for Roots movement, Shri Ratan Thiyam dedicated his life to bringing indigenous theatre and art practices to the global stage. He was a brilliant ambassador of the rich culture of Manipur and the Northeast… My deepest condolences on his demise. Om Shanti!”
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma also paid tribute, stating:
“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. His legacy will continue to inspire.”
Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh called Thiyam a “true luminary of Indian theatre” and an “esteemed son of Manipur.”
“His work carried the soul of Manipur, echoing its stories, its struggles, and its beauty,” Singh wrote.
Manipur BJP president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi described him as “a towering figure in the world of theatre” and the only individual from the region to have held the prestigious position of Director at the National School of Drama (NSD).
“Thiyam’s contribution to art, culture, and literature will forever be remembered,” she added.
Nagaland BJP leader Mmhonlumo Kikon likened him to legendary playwright Eugène Ionesco, calling Thiyam’s artistic legacy “difficult to fill.”
A Life Dedicated to the Arts
Ratan Thiyam was born in 1948 in Manipur and studied at the National School of Drama, where he would later serve as both Director and Chairperson. His leadership at the NSD marked a transformative period for the institution, and his commitment to nurturing new talent was unwavering.
A prolific director, writer, and poet, Thiyam established the Chorus Repertory Theatre in Imphal in 1976, which became a hub for theatrical experimentation and excellence. His productions, often laced with spiritual and philosophical themes, used stylized gestures, traditional Manipuri dance forms, and vibrant visual design to create immersive storytelling experiences.
Honors and Recognitions
Padma Shri (1989) for his contribution to the arts
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Numerous national and international accolades for his stagecraft
Served as Vice-Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi
Directed major festivals and international collaborations representing India
His works were not confined to the stage. Thiyam was deeply engaged in using theatre as a form of social commentary. Whether addressing political unrest, cultural identity, or moral decay, his plays always sought to provoke thought and preserve tradition.
Legacy
Ratan Thiyam’s legacy is not just in the scripts he wrote or the performances he directed, but in the thousands of artists he mentored and inspired. He elevated Manipuri art traditions to national and global platforms and became a voice for the North East’s cultural identity through the medium of performance.
His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in India’s cultural and artistic ecosystem. Tributes are pouring in from across the world, with theatre circles mourning the loss of a visionary who dared to dream and dramatize the soul of a people.
A condolence meeting is expected to be held in Imphal later today, with artists, admirers, and public figures gathering to pay their final respects.
Ratan Thiyam is survived by his family, theatre colleagues, and a generation of artists who continue to walk the path he illuminated.
