Accomplished playwright Vijay Tendulkar dead at 80

Pune, May 19 (UNI) Noted Marathi playwright Vijay Tendulkar died this morning at a private nursing home here following a protracted illness. He was 80.

Tendulkar is survived by his two daughters and brothers.

Tendulkar was born in Kolhapur on January 6, 1928. He shot to fame with his controversial and famous play 'Ghashiram Kotwal'. He was a prolific writer and authored plays that were runaway hits like 'Sakharam Binder' and 'Shantatet Court Chalu ahe'.

He also wrote for films and among his known Marathi films which were equally famous are 'Samna' Simhasan and Umbertha. He also scripted serials for Doordarshan. Noted film and theatre personalities and critics, including Amol Palekar, Nilu Phule, Nitu Pethe and Lalan Sarang, called on the ailing playwright in the last few days to enquire about his health.

Tendulkar was suffering from myasthenia gravis, a muscular disorder, and was brought to Prayag Hospital, a critical care nursing home five weeks ago. Actress late Priya Tendulkar is his daughter.

Tendulkar's two other daughters Tanuja and Sushma were at his bedside when breathed his last The funeral will be held in the afternoon, family sources said.

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