Renowned Theatre Legend Ratan Thiyam Passes Away

On 23rd July 2025, globally acclaimed theatre personality Ratan Thiyam passed away in Imphal after battling illness for several days. He was 77 years old.

He was internationally celebrated for his masterful direction of plays such as Chakrabvyuha, Uttar Priyadarshi, Hey Nungshibi Prithivi, and Chinglon Mapan Tampak Ama.
His groundbreaking play Chakrabvyuha earned him the prestigious Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh International Festival in 1987, placing Manipuri theatre on the global map.
Ratan Thiyam served as Chairperson of the National School of Drama and also as Vice Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, apart from being one of its fellows.
In recognition of his immense contributions to Indian theatre, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 1989.
He was also the recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987 and the Manipur Government’s Lifetime Achievement Award.