Renowned Theatre Director Ratan Thiyam Passes Away at 77 in Imphal, Manipur.

Obituary

Padma Shri awardee and celebrated Indian theatre director Ratan Thiyam passed away on 23 July 2025 at the age of 77 in Imphal, Manipur. Recognized for his immense contribution to Indian theatre, Thiyam was a pioneer in shaping modern Indian dramatic expression through the fusion of classical and traditional forms.


      - Ratan Thiyam, born on 20 January 1948 in Nabadwip, West Bengal, founded the Chorus Repertory Theatre in 1976, which became a key centre for experimental theatre in India.

      - Ratan Thiyam briefly served as the Director of the National School of Drama (NSD) from 1987 to 1988 and was later appointed Chairperson of NSD from 2013 to 2017. His leadership was marked by a revival of indigenous forms and the integration of traditional aesthetics into mainstream theatrical training.

      - A prominent figure in the Theatre of Roots Movement during the 1960s and 70s, Thiyam developed a distinctive performance language by blending Indian classical forms like Kathakali, Yakshagana, and Chhau with contemporary themes. His work aimed to reconnect modern Indian theatre with its cultural roots, creating productions rich in symbolism and ritualistic storytelling.

Main Point :-   (i) Some of his most acclaimed plays include Leima Yenlingai (1980), a political critique of religious corruption; Urubhangam (1981), a Sanskrit adaptation exploring Duryodhana's tragic end; and Andhayug (1981), based on the moral devastation after the Mahabharata war. Other important works include Chakravyuha (1984), Uttar Priyadarshi (1996), and Ritusamharam (2002).

      (ii) Over his career, Thiyam received numerous accolades including the Padma Shri in 1989, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987, Kalidas Samman in 1997, and the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) in 2012 for his lifetime contribution to Indian theatre.

(iii) His plays were performed at international festivals in countries including Germany, France, Japan, USA, UK, Canada, and across Southeast Asia, marking him as a global ambassador of Indian theatre.

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