Veteran theatre legend Ratan Thiyam, one of India's most influential dramatists, passed away in Imphal early Wednesday. He was 77. According to state officials, Thiyam breathed his last at around 1:30 am at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences after a prolonged illness. His passing marks the end of an era in Indian theatre, especially in the Manipuri performing arts scene, where he was a pioneering voice.