Theatre Legend Ratan Thiyam Dies at 77 After Long Battle With Post-Covid Complications
Former NSD director and Padma Shri awardee hailed for his monumental contribution to Indian and Manipuri theatre
Renowned theatre icon Ratan Thiyam passed away early Wednesday morning around 1.30 am at RIMS Hospital in Imphal, following a prolonged battle with post-COVID health complications. He was 77.
A former director of the National School of Drama (NSD), Thiyam was a towering figure in Indian theatre. He was honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987 and received the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 1989.
Thiyam’s work, deeply rooted in Manipur’s cultural traditions, combined classical Indian themes with modern theatrical techniques. His plays drew inspiration from epics, indigenous dance and movement forms, and explored themes ranging from environmental concerns to the socio-political landscape of Manipur. His distinctive visual storytelling earned him international acclaim.
In 2024, the state of Manipur conferred on him a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his monumental contributions to theatre and cultural preservation. Former Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh led tributes, calling Thiyam "a revered son of Manipur."
“It is with deep sorrow that I express my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Ratan Thiyam, a true luminary of Indian theatre. His unwavering dedication to his craft 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,” Singh said.
“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,” he added. Inner Manipur MP Bimol Akoijam also mourned the loss, writing:
“It’s a terrible loss! Legendary playwright Ratan Thiyam has passed away today in Imphal. An alumnus of the National School of Drama who later became its Director and Chairman, and also former Vice Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, he was an embodiment of our culture and struggle. It’s a great personal loss for me… I will never forget the pain he shared with me about the situation in his beloved Manipur. The agony he felt could only come from a patriot. We’ll miss you, Oja!”
A floral tribute has been arranged at the Chorus Repertory Theatre in Imphal to allow family, friends, and admirers to pay their last respects. His final rites will be performed in accordance with Hindu traditions.
