New Delhi: The renowned theater artist Ratan Thiam, the recipient of the Sungate Natak Academy Award, died on Wednesday morning at the age of 77. He breathed his last at 1:30 pm at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal.
Thiam was one of the pioneers behind the ‘Theater of Roots’ movement at the Indian Theater, which began in the 1970s. Known as Thiam Nemai, he was observed to include ancient Indian theater traditions and included forms in a contemporary context through his writing.
Apart from being a playwright and director, he was also a painter and was dubbed in writing and music.
RIP Ratan Thiam: Putting in condolences
Tributes have been earned from across the country, in which fans and institutes theater pay the honor of Ustad.
Sahitya AcademyThrough his official handle on X, wrote: “It is sad to know that a very reputed playwright, director, writer, scholar, the leading personality of ‘Theater of Roots’ and the founder of Chorus Repertory Theater, Sri Ratan Theiam, Sri Ratan Theiam has passed away. He was one of the few directors who preferred with his works.”
It was sad to know that Mr. Ratan Thiam has passed away, a very reputed playwright, director, author, scholar, prominent personality of “Theater of Roots” and founder of Chorus Repertary Theater. He was one of the few directors who popularized and touched ancient Indian traditions … pic.twitter.com/3syq7izowj– Sahitya Academy (@Sahityakademi) July 23, 2025
All India radio (air) Extended condolences on X as well: “globally acclaimed theater personality Ratan Theiam has passed away. He is known for his direction like internationally acclaimed drama such as Chakravyuha, North Priyadarshi, Are Nauungshebi Earth, and Chinglon Maapan Tampak Ama.”
Globally acclaimed theater personality Ratan Thiam has passed.
Ratan Thiam is known for directions such as “Chakravarti”, “North Prophemthi”, “Hey Nungshebi Prithvivi”, “Chinglon Maapan Tampak Ama” in the internally acclaimed plays.
He was first awarded the fringe … pic.twitter.com/8akptwt5t1– All India Radio News (@Airnewsalerts) July 23, 2025
He was awarded the Fringe First Award at Edinburgh International Festival in 1987, which was for his play Chakravuha.
Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Kongkal Sangma, He expressed his grief: “Sri Ratan was deeply saddened by the passage of theria, a visionary, who re -defined the Indian theater by combining the contemporary form with the cultural soul of Manipur. Through his art, he not only elevated the cultural identity of his motherland, but left an Amit imprint on the land of Indian demonstrations.
A visionary who redefined the Indian theater by incorporating the contemporary form with the cultural soul of Manipur, deeply saddened by the passage of Shri Ratan Thiam. Through his art, he not only enhanced the cultural identity of his motherland, but also left an indelible impression on the landscape … pic.twitter.com/ejkfurwquo– Conrad’s Sangma (@sangmaconrad) July 23, 2025
Heartiest condolences to their family, loved ones, and all who praised their art. God give peace to his soul. ”
Assam Chief Minister Hinta Biswa Sarma, He also paid tribute to him, called him: “A major light of the Theater of Roots Movement.”
He said: “Shri Ratan Theiam dedicated his life to bring indigenous theater and art practices on a global stage. A Padma Awardee, his presentations were rich in both talent and message. He was a magnificent ambassador to the rich culture of Manipur and Northeast and was able to use art as a vehicle to express people’s feelings.
A major light of theater for the Roots Movement, Sri Ratan Thiam dedicated his life to bring indigenous theater and art practices to the global stage. A Padma Awardee was rich in both his production talent and Sandesh.
He was a magnificent ambassador to rich culture … pic.twitter.com/9qtohs2np6– Himant Biswa Sarma (@Himantabiswa) July 23, 2025
My deep condolences to his death. ,
Former Chief Minister of Manipur, Biran Singh I offered my heartfelt condolences: “It is with deep sorrow that I express my heartfelt condolences when Sri Ratan Thiam is passed, which is a true shiny of the Indian theater and a respected son of Manipur. His unwavering dedication to his craft, and his love for Manipuri culture, his love, our love, which is also the world of theater, and its beauty.
It is with deep grief that I express my heartfelt condolences when I have a true shiny and a respected son of Manipur, a true shiny and a respected son of the Indian theater. His craft, his vision and his unwavering dedication to his love for Manipuri culture not only enrich the world … pic.twitter.com/20zbkwgdzl– N. Biren Singh (@nbirensingh) July 23, 2025
His soul can rest with peace and his soul continues to live in the tasks that he leaves behind and inspired him in countless life. ,
Music Natak Academy It also issued a statement: “Music Natak Academy mourned the passage of Ratan Thiem – mythological playwright, theater director and academy Fellow.
Heartfelt condolences to your loved ones.
Can live on their legacy. ,
Music Natak Academy mourned the passage of Ratan Thiam – Fellow, a mythical playwright, theater director and academy.
Heartfelt condolences to your loved ones.
Can live on their legacy.#Sangeetnatakakademi #Theatre #Culture #Ratanthiyam pic.twitter.com/jarw9r7qxx– Music Natak Academy (@Sangeetnatak) July 23, 2025
Ratan Thiam’s huge legacy
Ratan Thiam served as the chairman of the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) from 2013 to 2017. Earlier, he was the Vice President of the Music Natak Academy. In 1976, he established the Chorus Repartering Theater on the outskirts of Imphal, Manipur.
His praise includes:
Music Natak Academy Award for Disha (1987)
Padma Shri (1989)
Music Natak Academy Fellowship (2012)
Many national and international honors for his outstanding contribution to theater
The legacy of Ratan Thiam will continue to shape and inspire the generations of artists and theater lovers worldwide.
