Padma Shri awardee and theatre legend Ratan Thiyam dies at 77 after prolonged illness

Ratan Thiyam died on Wednesday

Manipur's renowned theatre legend and Padma Shri awardee Ratan Thiyam passed away early on Wednesday, July 23. He was 77. He was battling with prolonged illness and died in the hospital.

The government official told PTI that Ratan Thiyam was admitted to Regional Institute of Medical Sciences and died at around 1.30 am on Wednesday after a prolonged illness.

The Manipur government expressed grief and mourned the death of Ratan Thiyam. The statement of the government reads, “With profound grief and deep sorrow, we mourn the passing of Padma Shri recipient and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee - Ratan Thiyam, a towering figure in Indian theatre and a cultural icon of Manipur.”

The statement continued, “We join the artistic fraternity and the nation in remembering his extraordinary legacy. Heartfelt condolences to his family, disciples and admirers around the world.”

However, the former chief minister N Biren Singh of Manipur also condoled the death of Indian playwright and theatre director. He took to his X (formerly Twitter) and claimed that his work carried the soul of Manipur.

The former CM tweeted, “It is with deep sorrow that I express my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Ratan Thiyam, a true luminary of Indian theatre and an esteemed son of Manipur.”

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… pic.twitter.com/20ZbKwGdZL

— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) July 23, 2025

The former CM continued, “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.”

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For the unversed, Ratan Thiyam was known for blending traditional Manipuri art forms with contemporary craft, innovation and poetic narratives. He received Padma Shri in 1989. He was also the founder of the Imphal-based Chorus Repertory Theatre.

Additionally, he briefly served as the director of the New Delhi-based National School of Drama from 1987 to 1988.