Governor, many condole demise of Padma Shri Ratan Thiyam
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 23 2025: Many expressed deep condolences over the untimely demise of internationally acclaimed theatre personality and Padma Shri awardee Ratan Thiyam.

In a release, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla expressed deep sorrow on the sudden passing away of Ratan Thiyam, stating his invaluable contribution to Manipuri theatre and culture will always be remembered.

The Department of Art and Culture also expressed deep sorrow over the untimely demise of Ratan Thiyam, a towering figure in Indian theatre, who passed away on July 23, 2025 .

He was 77 .

Governor, many condole demise of Padma Shri Ratan Thiyam

Born on January 20, 1948, in the sacred town of Nabadwip Dham in West Bengal's Nadia district and raised in Imphal, Ratan Thiyam demonstrated remarkable talent across the arts - fine art, literature, and theatre - from a young age.

He graduated from the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, in 1974, and went on to establish the Chorus Repertory Theatre in Imphal in 1976.The group set new benchmarks in performance theatre, earning acclaim both in India and abroad, said a department statement.

It also recounted that throughout his illustrious career, Ratan Thiyam served in various reputed cultural institutions including director of the NSD from 1987 to 1989 and its chairperson from 2013 to 2017, vice-chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi and as artistic director of the 8th Theatre Olympics in 2018.A visionary playwright and director, Ratan was known for his extraordinary ability to breathe life into stories, blending profound philosophical and cultural themes with bold theatrical innovation.

His work inspired generations of artistes and captivated audiences across the globe, it continued.

"The world of theatre has lost a true giant, but his legacy will live on through every performance and every artiste touched by his genius," the statement added.

The Department of Art and Culture extended its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the wider artistic community.

It also offered prayers for his soul to rest in eternal peace.

In separate releases, Sangeet Natak Akademi, North East Zone Cultural Centre, Manipur State Kala Akademi, Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Kanglei Indigenous Martial Arts and Cultural Society, Ching-Tam Social Workers' Union, Irabot Foundation Manipur, Uripok Apunba Lup, National Identity Protection Council, JN Manipur Dance Academy, Lalit Kala Sangam, and Critics' Forum Manipur expressed shock and sadness on the demise of Ratan Thiyam, an internationally acclaimed theatre director and one of the most eminent cultural icons of the country.

The civil society and cultural organisations remembered him as a towering figure in Indian theatre, known for his pioneering contributions to the Theatre of Roots movement and for blending classical Manipuri aesthetics with modern theatrical expression.

His commitment to the art, culture, and literature served as an inspiration for artistes not only in Manipur but across the country.

Joining the nation in mourning the extraordinary soul, they lamented that his demise is an irreplaceable loss for the state and also for the nation.

The void left will be hard to fill.

Nevertheless, his legacy will continue to endure and his vision will continue to inspire generations, expressed the organisations.

They further shared pain and grief of the bereaved family and also observed silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

Similarly, Manipur Legislative Assembly speaker Th Satyabrata Singh, Singjamei MLA Y Khemchand Singh and Janata Dal United Manipur State president Ksh Biren Singh condoled the untimely demise of renowned theatre personality Ratan Thiyam.

With the demise of Ratan Thiyam, the pole star of Manipuri theatre has fallen, they said, while praying for the departed soul to rest in peace.