Theatre doyen Ratan Thiyam passes away

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 23 : Theatre icon Ratan Thiyam passed away today at the age of 77.
He breathed his last at 1.30 am at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal after a prolonged illness.
Ratan Thiyam was born at Nabadwip in West Bengal to renowned Manipuri classical dance guru Thiyam Tarunkumar of Uripok Haobam Dewan Leikai and Thiyam Bilasini.
He is survived by his wife, one son and two daughters.
Ratan Thiyam, who founded Chorus Repertory Theatre in 1976  served National School of Drama (NSD) as Director (1987-1989) and Chairperson (2013-2017).
Prior to NSD, he held the position of Vice-Chairman at Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Ratan Thiyam was a leading figure in Indian theatre renowned for seamlessly blending traditional Manipuri art forms with modern craft, innovation, and poetic storytelling.
Some of his famous plays include Chakrabvyuha, Uttar Priyadarshi, Chinglon Mapan Tampak Ama, Lairembigee Eshei, Macbeth, Asibagee Eshei.
He received Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987, Padmashree Award in 1989, Indo Greek Friendship Award in 1984, Nandikar Award in 1992, International Man of the Year (Cambridge) Award in 1997-98,  BM Shah Award in 2000, Kalidas Samman in 2005, One India One People Award Award in 2006, Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration in 2008 and Bharata Muni Samman in 2011 among other prestigious awards.
Ratan Thiyam was also honoured with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship and the Tagore Ratna Award in 2012 and Bhupen Hazarika Foundation Award in 2013, recognizing his outstanding contributions to India's performing arts.
The theatre icon was conferred with eight honorary doctorates by various universities in India and abroad. Additionally, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award during the 53rd Statehood Day celebration, further acknowledging his outstanding contributions.
A multifaceted artist, he was also a talented writer, musician, painter, and actor.
His body was taken to the Chorus Repertory Theatre at Lamboikhongnangkhong, where family members, relatives, artists, academicians, and theatre enthusiasts gathered to pay their respects, offering floral tributes to his remains.
Former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi and renowned filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma also paid homage to Ratan Thiyam by visiting the theatre.
Another former Chief Minister N Biren also condoled the demise of Ratan Thiyam, in a tweet.
Several leaders, organizations and  institutions paid their respects and condoled the demise of Ratan Thiyam,  praising his legacy and impact on the theatre world.
His passing was met with widespread grief, reflecting his influence and stature in the cultural landscape.
Those who extended condolences on the passing of Ratan Thiyam include Lok Sabha MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Kongkal Sangma, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Ministry of Culture (Government of India), All India Radio,  Speaker of  Manipur Legislative  Assembly Th Satyabrata, Singjamei AC MLA Yumnam Khemchand, Commissioner of Art and Culture H Gyan Prakash, Manipur State Kala Akademi, Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, Manipur State Kala Akademi, North East Zone Cultural Centre, Communist Party of India - Manipur State Council, Uripok Apunba Lup, National Identity Protection Council, The Critics Forum Manipur, Lalit Kala Sangam, All Manipur  Ethnical Socio Cultural Organisation, Fiction and Poetry Club Manipur, Manipuri Literary Society, Federation of Civil Society Organisation (FOCS) Manipur, Cultural Workers and Activists Forum (CAWF), Imaa Shumang Leela Kanglup and Thoubal Writers' Association.