The Indian theatre community is reeling from the loss of Manipur’s iconic Ratan Thiyam, who passed away at 77 in an Imphal hospital on July 23, 2025, after a prolonged illness. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led tributes, calling the Padma Shri awardee a “true legend” whose unique blend of tradition and innovation put Manipur theatre on the global stage. “His work enriched Indian performing arts immensely,” she wrote on X, offering condolences to his family and friends.

Kolkata’s theatre fraternity echoed her grief, with luminaries like Rudraprasad Sengupta and Kaushik Sen sharing memories of Thiyam’s profound impact. Sengupta, of Nandikar fame, recalled late-night discussions with Thiyam during his frequent visits to Kolkata for theatre festivals, describing him as a humble genius who shared small rooms and big ideas. “His death leaves a void, but his legacy must live on,” Sengupta told PTI. Sen, from Swapna Sandhani, reminisced about bonding with Thiyam over their adaptations of Macbeth and his distinct political theatre rooted in Manipur’s rich heritage, last meeting him at a 2008-09 festival.

Thiyam’s internationally acclaimed work, known for its bold storytelling and cultural depth, inspired generations. As tributes pour in, the theatre world vows to carry forward his vision, ensuring his contributions to Indian and global performing arts endure.