Renowned Manipur Theatre Icon Ratan Thiyam Passes Away

quick summary

• Ratan Thiyam, a renowned theater personality from Manipur, passed away in Imphal on the morning of July 23, 2025, at the age of 77.
• He was a pioneer of the Theatre of Roots movement in India and earned international recognition for integrating ancient Indian theatrical traditions with modern themes in his plays like Chakravyuha and Ritusamharam.
• awarded the Padma Shri in 1989, he also served as vice-chairman of Sangeet Natak Akademi and later as chairperson of the National School of Drama.
• Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and other leaders expressed their condolences on social media platform X, acknowledging Thiyam’s contributions to Manipuri culture and Indian theatre.
• BJP leaders such as Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi and Mmhonlumo Kikon also paid tributes to his legacy in art, culture, and literature.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Ratan Thiyam’s passing marks the loss of a cultural icon whose work bridged traditional Manipuri art forms with broader national narratives through innovative theatrical expressions. His leadership roles at prestigious institutions like Sangeet Natak Akademi and NSD reflect his influence beyond artistry-he had an institutional impact on fostering theatre across India.

The acknowledgment from political figures demonstrates how deeply rooted his contributions were to both regional identity and India’s artistic landscape. His ability to connect local cultural heritage with contemporary themes is noteworthy for its potential replicability-a model that can inspire younger artists aiming for global relevance while keeping traditional art forms alive.

While his legacy leaves an indelible mark on India’s artistic fabric, sustaining this momentum will require active encouragement for similar voices from underrepresented regions like Manipur.

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