Ratnakar Matkari Biography 
Ratnakar Ramkrushna Matkari, popularly known as Ratnakar Matkari is a writer and film maker from Maharashtra. As a writer, he has contributed numerous plays and children’s books. Throughout his career he has received numerous awards and honours including - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, (2003–04), Jyotsna Bhole Award from Akhil Bharatiya Natya Parishad (1978), Natya Darpan Nana Oak Award, Deval Award from Akhil Bharatiya Natya Parishad (1985), Best Playwright Award from Atre Foundation (1985), Gangadhar Gadgil Award (1997), S. L. Gadre Matoshri Award (1998), Natyavrati Award (1999), V. V. Shirwadkar Award (2002) and Maharashtra State Government's Gadkari Award for best playwright (1995). He is married to artist Pratibha Matkari. In 1972, he established Sootradhar which has done 12 art house plays till now.
Matkari was born on November 17, 1938 in Mumbai. He completed degree in economics from Mumbai University in 1958 and took a banking job. He worked at the Bank of India for 20 years and retired from service in 1978. Since 1978, he is full time active with theater works and cinema. Matkari's first work was a one-act play titled Wedi Manase. It was first presented in 1955 on All India Radio in Mumbai. Phaguni was the first play that was performed live before audience and it was done in 1956. A few of the noted plays have been his novels adapted on stage and they include – Dubhang, Brahmahatya, Lokakatha 78, Sate Lote, Aranyak, Prema Kahani, Vinashakadun Vinashakade, Ghar Tighanche Hawe and Char Diwas Premache.
Albatya Galbatya, Nimma Shimma Rakshas and Achat Gawachi Aphat Mavashi are his children’s plays and he has successfully presented the musical play Char Diwas Premache, 850 times and has also translated it to Hindi as well as Gujarati. As an actor, he appeared in his own plays like Prem Kahani", Vinashakadun Vinashakade", "Lokakatha 78", and Sate Lote and has also presented one man show - Adbhutachya Rajyat. He has also directed a few television serials like Sharadache Chandane and Gajara. He has also served as an advisory committee member of AIR.
Published: N/A
Updated: November 21, 2013
