Vijay Dhondopant Tendulkar (6 January 1928 – 19 May 2008) was a leading Indian playwright, movie and television writer, literary essayist, political journalist and social commentator, primarily in Marāthi. He is best known for his plays Shantata! Court Chalu Aahe, Ghāshirām Kotwāl, and Sakhārām Binder. Many of Tendulkar’s plays derived inspiration from real-life incidents or social upheavals, which provides clear light on harsh realities.
Tendulkar had been a highly influential dramatist and theatre personality in Mahārāshtra for over five decades.
Tendulkar’s writings rapidly changed the storyline of modern Marathi theatre in the 1950s and the 60s, with experimental presentations by theatre groups like Rangayan. Actors in these theatre groups, like Shriram Lagoo, Mohan Agashe and Sulabha Deshpande, brought new authenticity and power to Tendulkar’s stories while introducing new sensibilities in Marathi theatre.
In his writing career spanning more than five decades, Tendulkar has written 27 full-length plays and 25 one-act plays. Several of his plays have proven to be Marathi theatre classics. His plays have been translated and performed in many Indian languages.
His legacy will be evergreen forever. His work is still seen by many people. He is a legend.