He was 77.Thiyam died on the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences early on Wednesday after a chronic sickness.
A recipient of India's fourth-highest civilian award — Padma Shri in 1989 — and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award winner in 1987, Thiyam was well-known for mixing conventional Manipuri artwork kinds with fashionable craft, innovation and poetic narratives.
Founding father of the Imphal-based Refrain Repertory Theatre in 1976, Thiyam briefly served because the chief of the New Delhi-based Nationwide College of Drama from 1987 to 1988.
Among the different notable awards that Thiyam had acquired have been the Kalidas Samman (1997), Indira Gandhi Award for Nationwide Integration (2008), Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (2012), and Tagore Ratna (2012).
The latest one was the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Manipur authorities on the event of the 54th Statehood Day in January this yr for his unparalleled service to the state's theatre and cultural heritage.Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, former Chief Minister N Biren Singh, state BJP President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi additionally expressed their grief over the dying of Thiyam, and stated his work carried the soul of Manipur.Ajay Kumar Bhalla, expressed deep sorrow on the demise of famend theatre character and Padma Shri awardee Thiyam Ratan. The Governor said that his invaluable contribution to Manipuri theatre and tradition will all the time be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to his household, buddies, and admirers,” a put up of the Raj Bhavan X deal with stated.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Ok Sangma stated: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Ratan Thiyam , a visionary who redefined Indian theatre by mixing modern kind with the cultural soul of Manipur.
By way of his artwork, he not solely elevated the cultural id of his homeland however left an indelible mark on the panorama of Indian performing arts. His legacy will proceed to encourage.”
“Heartfelt condolences to his household, family members, and all who admired his artwork. Could he relaxation in peace,” CM Sangma stated.
Singh, in a put up on X, stated: “It's with deep sorrow that I categorical my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Shri Ratan Thiyam, a real luminary of Indian theatre and an esteemed son of Manipur. His unwavering dedication to his craft, his imaginative and prescient, and his love for Manipuri tradition enriched not solely the world of theatre but in addition our very id.”
“His work carried the soul of Manipur, echoing its tales, its struggles, and its magnificence. Could his soul relaxation in peace and his spirit proceed to reside on within the works he leaves behind and within the numerous lives he impressed. Could all of us discover power in remembering his immense contributions to our cultural panorama,” the previous Chief Minister stated.
The Manipur State Movie Growth Society (MSFDS) held a candlelight memorial on the Memorial Stone of Manipuri Cinema inside the MSFDS complicated. The solemn gathering, open to the general public, was organised to supply the movie group's last respects to Ratan Thiyam—not only a titan of theatre, however one of many most interesting artists Manipur has ever produced.
“Although his medium was theatre, his affect transcended disciplines—deeply inspiring Manipuri cinema, visible storytelling, and the state's broader cultural creativeness. The glowing candles, lit in reverence, will stand as sparkles of the enduring legacy he leaves behind,” stated MSFDS Secretary Sunzu Bachaspatimayum.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee mourned his dying, “I mourn the demise of Ratan Thiyam, the icon of Manipuri Theatre and a real legend who put Manipuri theatre on the worldwide map. His distinctive mix of custom and experiment enriched Indian performing arts immensely and resonated worldwide. My honest condolences to his household, buddies and followers.”
