Imphal | Ratan Thiyam, one of India’s most influential theatre directors and playwrights, passed away today at the age of 77. A towering figure in modern Indian theatre and a central pillar of the “Theatre of Roots” movement, Thiyam breathed his last at RIMS Hospital in Imphal, Manipur.
With a career spanning over five decades, Thiyam was known for merging ancient Indian theatrical traditions with contemporary themes. His work brought philosophical depth, visual grandeur, and cultural richness to Indian theatre. A profound dramatist, poet, painter, and director, Thiyam was instrumental in redefining the Indian stage.
He served as the Director of the National School of Drama (NSD) from 1987 to 1989 and later chaired the institution from 2013 to 2017. He also held the position of Vice Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the country’s premier performing arts body.
Thiyam received numerous accolades throughout his illustrious career. He was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987 for direction, followed by the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship—the highest honour in performing arts—in 2012. In 1989, the Government of India conferred upon him the Padma Shri in recognition of his immense contribution to the arts.
Internationally, Thiyam was honoured with the Indo-Greek Friendship Award in 1984 and the prestigious John D. Rockefeller Award in 2008. His work was celebrated at several global theatre festivals, including in Mexico and Greece, marking his status as a global cultural ambassador for Indian theatre.
His death marks the end of an era in Indian performing arts. Tributes poured in from across the country, with theatre professionals, students, and admirers mourning the loss of a visionary artist who brought classical depth and modern relevance to the Indian stage.
