G. A. Kulkarni

G. A. Kulkarni Biography

G. A. Kulkarni, simply called GA was a prolific writer of Marathi literature, known for his outstanding contributions to short stories. His work, Kajalmaya won 1973 Sahitya Akademy Award for best poetry. His work -Manase Arbhat Ani Chillar contains some of his autobiographical ramblings. Marathi movie Kairee, directed by Amol Palekar, was based on one of his short stories. Kranti Kanade’s National award winning short film Chaitra was also based on his short story. Apart from his works, he has translated many foreign works to Marathi language, which include 5 novels authored by noted American novelist, Conrad Richter.

GA was a prolific correspondent. Though he had an obsession to keep his life private, he had many pen friends. "Shri Pu" Bhagwat, Sunita Deshpande, Madhav Achawal, Jaywant Dalvi, Anantrao Kulkarni, and "Ma Da" Hatkanangalekar were among his pen friends in the literary circle. "G A Kulkarni Award" was instituted in his name and noted writer Sunita Deshpande was its first recipient. His short stories have been translated into English, Hindi, Kannada and many other languages.

He was born on 10 July 1923 in Examba, Karnataka. He was brought up in Belgaum. After completing his Master’s degree he started his career as a faculty JSS College in Dharwad where he taught English for long 30 years. Though he was strongly attached to Dharwad and Belgaum, he had to leave to Pune where he lived till his death. A major road in the Kothrud area of Pune where he lived has been named after him.

Some of his works were posthumously. He also authored children’s books. A great exponent of Marathi short stories, some of his works include – Nilasavala, Hirave Rave, Pingalavel, Mugdhachi Rangit Goshta, Manase Arbhat Ani Chillar, Ramalkhuna, Parava,  Kajalmaya, Ramalkhuna and many more.

Published: N/A

Updated: February 20, 2016