The great Marathi playwrite Vijay Tendulkar passed away here in Pune on May 19, 2008. The beacon of revolutionary thoughts in the Marathi theatre and recipient of Padmabhushan, Sangeet Natak Academy award was suffering from muscle disorder. The author of 'Shantata Court Chalu Aahe', 'Ghashiram Kotwal', 'Gidhade', 'Sakharam Baindar' and many more dramas without melodrama was known for his ability to express the most complex issues in the most simplest manner. The issues regarding power and misuse of power were underlined by him and portrayed in a manner that the world made a serious note of this legend. The likes of 'Ghashiram Kotwal' enjoyed translations in many foreign languages and of course their Indian counterparts. The global fraternity of the theatre activists looked up to Tendulkar for his guidance when it comes to the freedom of expression and thought.
The man ruled the Marathi Theatre for the last five decades without having any formal crowning ceremony. His stint with bollywood is also noteworthy and comprises some of the most imminent works in the twentieth century. He was the script writer for the classics like Ardhsatya, Nishant, Aakrosh to quote a few. He also received filmfare award twice. The author also had a celebrated carrier in the field of Journalism where he worked with the leading marathi dailies. The social activist within never allowed Tendulkar to keep calm when he could see a lot of unrest in the air. He started as a freedom fighter at the age of 14 and continued till the battle for the basic rights of the Saradar Sarovar affected people. He was also known for his straightforward speaking and would never mind catch hold of the evils in the society.
In the last three decades his almost every speech, statement created controversy in the social arena. Thanks to his attitute to touch the very routes and the ability of the media (!) to cook spicy stuff out of it. As a matter of last wish he suggested no capturing of his death by media. He was cremated in Pune without doing any last rights. We salute the true spirit he lived into.
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