Quick Info
| Profession | Playwright, Theatre Director |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Date of Birth | 20/01/1948 |
| Age | 77 years (died on 23, Jul, 2025) |
| Birthplace | Imphal, Manipur, India |
| Date of Death | 23/07/2025 |
Latest News about Ratan Thiyam
24/07/2025
The Government of India conferred the Padma Shri award upon Ratan Thiyam posthumously, recognizing his contributions to Indian theatre. The announcement came shortly after his death on 23/07/2025, making the honor one of the final public acknowledgments of his legacy.
23/07/2025
Ratan Thiyam died in Imphal, Manipur, at the age of 77 after a prolonged illness. He was widely recognized as a leading playwright and theatre director and as the founder of Chorus Repertory Theatre, where he helped shape modern Indian theatre through a distinctive blend of Manipuri and classical performance traditions.
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Bio/Wiki
| Other Name(s) |
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| Nickname(s) | Oja |
Physical Stats & More
| Height | 5' 9" (175 cm) |
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| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Salt & Pepper |
Educational Qualification(s)
| School | Johnstone Higher Secondary School, Imphal |
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| College/University | National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi (1974) |
| Educational Qualification | Graduate in Dramatic Arts |
Personal Life
| Hobbies | Reading |
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Relationships & More
| Marital Status | Married |
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| Wife/Spouse | Damayanti Devi |
| Children |
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Family
| Father | Thiyam Tarun Kumar (classical dancer) |
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| Mother | Bilasini Devi (classical dancer) |
| Spouse | Damayanti Devi |
| Children | 1 Son, 2 Daughters |
Career
| Awards and Honors |
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| Career Overview | Ratan Thiyam was a pivotal figure in Indian theatre, known for integrating traditional forms with contemporary themes. He initially ventured into the visual arts but soon made his mark in theatre, where he established a unique style combining classical traditions with modern narratives. Thiyam founded the Chorus Repertory Theatre in 1976 on the outskirts of Imphal, where he directed and produced over 60 plays, showcasing his talents in writing, music, and set design. He served as Director of the National School of Drama (1987–88), its chairperson (2013–17), and chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi. He was instrumental in bringing the Theatre Olympics 2018 to India. |
Favourites
| Food | Matar Paneer |
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Some Lesser Known Facts
| 1. Ratan Thiyam's early exposure to dance and theatre through his parents shaped his artistic journey. | |
| 2. He initially disdained performing arts due to constant travel but eventually grew fond of it. | |
| 3. At 17, he published a collection of short stories and founded a literary journal. | |
| 4. He began his theatre career by writing a play after being prompted by local actors. | |
| 5. Thiyam blended various classical influences, including Bharata’s Natya Shastra and ancient Greek drama, into his theatrical style. | |
| 6. His adaptation of a Bengali novel marked his deeper engagement with theatre. | |
| 7. Thiyam's numerous accolades reflect his impactful contribution to the arts and culture. | |
| 8. He was a multifaceted artist working as a designer, music composer, choreographer, lighting expert, costume designer, architect, painter, and poet. |