Ratan Thiyam, the visionary theatre director, playwright, and stalwart of the “theatre of roots” movement, passed away early on July 23, 2025, Wednesday, morning at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal, Manipur, following a prolonged illness.

He was 77 years old at the time of his death.

Born on January 20, 1948, in Nabadwip, West Bengal, Thiyam grew up in Imphal, immersed in a rich artistic heritage—his father, Tarunkumar, was a noted guru of Manipuri classical dance, and his mother, Bilasini Devi, was also a revered dancer.

Thiyam's multifaceted talent encompassed direction, scriptwriting, set and costume design, music composition, choreography, painting, and architecture.

An alumnus of the National School of Drama (NSD, Class of 1974), he founded the Chorus Repertory Theatre in Imphal in 1976, introducing powerful, culturally rooted theatre to both national and international audiences.

He served as Director (1987–1989) and later Chairperson (2013–2017) of NSD and held the position of Vice-Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

A recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987 and its Fellowship in 2012, he was also honored with the Padma Shri in 1989.

His work earned global acclaim, including the Indo-Greek Friendship Honor, the John D. Rockefeller Award, and several international festival recognitions.

Thiyam’s adaptations of classical and global texts—Lengshonnei (Antigone), Andha Yug, Uttar Priyadarshi, Chakravyuh, and Ritusamharam—were celebrated for their fusion of indigenous Meitei traditions, Sanskrit drama, Greek classics, Japanese Noh theatre, and potent political commentary.

His staging of Andha Yug in Hiroshima in 1994 is remembered as a profoundly moving artistic statement.

Leaders and artists across India mourned his passing.

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, and numerous cultural figures expressed grief.

Singh said Thiyam’s unwavering dedication to his craft enriched not only the world of theatre but also the identity of Manipur.

Earlier this year, the Manipur government honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award 2025, including a ?10 lakh prize, recognizing his monumental contributions to the arts.

His remains were taken to his home in Uripok and later to the Chorus Repertory Theatre premises in Imphal, where artists, admirers, and members of the public paid their final respects.

Ratan Thiyam’s passing marks the end of an era, but his dynamic blend of ritual, theatre, and social introspection continues to shape the future of Indian stagecraft.

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