Theatre personality Ratan Thiyam, popularly known as Thiyam Nemai, has passed away on Wednesday at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal where he was undergoing treatment after suffering from a prologue illness. He passed away at the age of 77.
Ratan Thiyam was born on January 20, 1948. He was also a noted artist, painter, and musician. He had been awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in Direction in 1987.
In 1987, he was honored with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, one of the highest recognitions for performing artists in India.
A recipient of Padma Shri in 1989, Thiyam was known for blending traditional Manipuri art forms with contemporary craft, innovation and poetic narratives.
Taking to X, the former Chief Minister of Manipur N Biren Singh said, “It is with deep sorrow that I express my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Ratan Thiyam, a true luminary of Indian theatre and an esteemed son of Manipur.”
Mr Thiyam’s death left a deep grief in the entire region and the entire state.