For the past six decades, not only in India but throughout the world, Vijay Tendulkar had been a leading contemporary Indian playwright, screen and television writer, literary essayist, political journalist and social commentator. But for me, he was first a great man and a jewel of the Nation with whom I had a chance to interact.
It was first the reading of his plays for my PhD work that seeded a desire in me to meet and speak to the great writer. Often wondering whether this great writer would find time from his busy schedule for me, I approached him first to seek permission to work with his plays and then to meet him and have an interview.
Memories of that day are still fresh in my mind. It was in January 2006. I had called him up in his cell phone to fix an appointment with a throbbing heart and fear that he would straight away refuse my proposal. But the soft voice on the other side of the phone really surprised me. As he amicably permitted me to work with his plays, he also added, “I am an old man, Shukla. I won’t be able to come to Kolkata to give an interview.” Such was the humble nature of the angry man of modern Indian Theatre.
The day to meet him was finally fixed and I, with my father, made arrangements to move to Mumbai. It was the 27th of May, 2006. At 5.30 in the evening, we were greeted with smiles by the playwright and his youngest daughter Tanuja Mohite at his Hilton Tower flat in Mumbai. He was waiting for us in his daily attire, rocking in his favourite arm chair in his small room that seemed to be his study as well as living room. Simplicity was the key feature I noticed in his appearance. Perhaps, he had sensed from my appearance that I was tensed and feeling shaky to freely converse with him. So with a light tone it was he who began saying, “Ask, what you have to ask?” and the conversation started. Amidst all the serious talk about his plays and Indian Theatre, he made our interaction entertaining with his humorous anecdotes and comments. After about two and a half hours of fruitful discussion, we left his apartment with his valuable words. This day will never come back but will for ever remain as a fond and cherishable memory in my life.
A successful interview was not the only part I returned with from Mumbai. He had introduced me to Ramu Ramnathan, Editor PT Notes, Prithvi Theatre and had also remained in contact with me via phone and e mail till his health permitted. I had often disturbed him with silly questions but he was always accessible with his precise answers, best wishes and short signature “Ten.” I remember calling him last on his birthday, 6th January, this year. That was the last time I heard his voice. He sounded even softer and meek on the other side. This was probably for his declining health. From the deepest core of my heart, I adore him for his hospitality and helping guidelines.
Who said Vijay Tendulkar was an angry man who dared to comment openly that he felt like shooting Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi if he had a pistol in his hand? After meeting this great personality, the impression I have gathered about him is just the opposite. He was the most kind-hearted, simple and down to earth person I have ever met. His political comments and daring words depict his boldness and true to his self nature. He spoke whatever he saw, felt and realized. It is this part of his personality that makes him a truly charismatic man.
Tendulkar with his rich body of work had been a pioneer of the modern Indian theatre. With his bold depiction of socially controversial themes, he had brought a revolution with the experimental theatre movement in Marathi/Indian theatre. Often, for his daring and impudent depiction of violence he became a victim of criticism and controversy. But quite contrary to his plays, he had always been a mild, soft-spoken and quiet man in his life. His measured words speak out his open mind in true sense. With his death, India has lost another great soul. But he will remain amidst all theatre lovers as a legend. His rich work, his words, his creations and his actions will for ever “smell sweet and blossom” amongst us. May his soul rest in peace.

By Shukla Chatterjee
PhD Scholar,
English Department,
Visva Bharati.

I once asked him if it had been his ambition to become a writer, journalist or a literate personality, his reply was ‘No, I was a school dropout and didn’t complete my studies.  I was more interested in watching cricket in the maidan. I worked in my father’s printing press and started writing short stories, took up journalism, after which I never looked back; I kept on writing. It came to me effortlessly… not with the intention of contributing to society or literature, it just happened! This surprised me that a man could reach such heights effortlessly without having the intention to do so, to this he nodded and said it was a perspective and let it pass.

Tendulkarji had the same approach, attitude and behavior towards everybody he met irrespective of their economical or social status or otherwise. Be it a dependant person on the street asking for alms, the top most politicians, the most renowned literate personality or royalty.

I was very close to the family, right from Mrs. Tendulkar, his three daughters; Sushma, Priya and Tanu, his son Raja and even his grand children Bunty and Jhumki. In fact his last photo with me that I have was taken by his granddaughter Jhumki just 2 months before his passing.

I happened to be around when he breathed his last at 7.45 in the morning. I woke up sensing restlessness around me and saw nurses running into his room. I rushed in with them from the bench I was sleeping on outside his room and held his hand while they were attempting to resuscitate him. I was holding his hand while he breathed his last and the machine flat lined, his hand slipped out from my hand, which made me almost drop to the floor. This experience will stay with me till the end of my life.

Haidar Ali

“Mr. Vijay Tendulkar was a leading Indian playwright in Marathi. He was also movie and television writer, literary essayist, political journalist, and social commentator. He was best known for his plays Shantata! Court Chalu Aahe, Ghāshirām Kotwāl and Sakhārām Binder. 

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 theater classics. His plays have been translated and performed in many Indian languages. 

Tendulkar wrote screenplays for the movies Nishānt Ākrosh, and Ardh Satya established him as an important “Chronicler of Violence” of the present times. He has written eleven movies in Hindi and eight movies in Marathi. The latter include Sāmanā (“Confrontation”), Simhāasan (“Throne”), and Umbarthā (“The Threshold”) 

Tendulkar wrote an acclaimed TV series, “SwayamSiddha”, in which his daughter, Priyā Tendulkar, performed in the lead role.”

This site is totally dedicated to Mr. Vijay Tendulkar. It has all the information about Mr.Tendulkar like his plays, films etc.We also have all the rights of Mr.Vijay Tendulkar’s plays.

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