Jayanti Dalal

Jayanti Dalal Biography

Jayanti Dalal was a noted Gujarati editor, writer, publisher and politician who lived during the period 18 November 1909 - 24 August 1970. Influenced by socialism and Gandhian philosophy, his literal works include - one-act plays and short stories, apart from stage plays. He was a recipient of the prestigious Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak in 1959 and Narmad Suvarna Chandrak for his outstanding contributions in field of Gujarati literature. He has edited one cinema magazine and also produced one Gujarati film Bikhare Moti in 1935.

Jayanti Dalal was born on 18 November 1909 at Ahmedabad. His father was a patron of arts who organized stage plays under the troupe - Deshi Natak Samaj. Thus his childhood days in such an environment left an impressive mark in his mind, which later helped him a lot to write many popular plays. His school education was completed at different schools and completed matriculation in 1925. Though he joined college to pursue his graduation he discontinued his studies to join freedom struggle movement. In 1939 he started his own publication house and was associated with it till his death.

As a playwright he became popular through his one act plays. Javanika, Pravesh Bijo, Pravesh Trijo and Chotho Pravesh are among his noted one act plays. Avataran (1949) is three-act play. He has also written stage plays and children’s plays. Draupadi no Sahkar, Soi nu Naku, Jeevandeep and Joiye Chhe, Joiye Chhiye are his most successful plays. He translated War and Peace to Gujarati language.

He was involved with Mahagujarat Movement in 1956 which demanded separate state for Gujarati speaking people. Subsequently Gujarat was formed in 1960. He was also involved with state politics and got elected to Bombay state assembly in 1957. He unsuccessfully contested for the second time in 1962.

Published: N/A

Updated: March 06, 2016