Chintamani Tryambak Khanolkar

Chintamani Tryambak Khanolkar Biography

Chintamani Tryambak Khanolkar was a noted writer from Maharashtra. He wrote poetry under the name “Arati Prabhu” and prose under his own name. In his literal career he received numerous awards including Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1976) for playwright works and Sahitya Akademi Award (1978) for his collection of poems 'Nakshatranche Dene' posthumously. Hindi movie Ankahee, was a derivation of his play 'Kalay Tasmai Namaha' and it was directed by Amol Palekar. His play, Ek Shoonya Bajirao is considered as a landmark in contemporary Indian theatre.

Khanolkar was born on March 8, 1930 in a small village in Maharashtra. He started writing poetry at the age of 20. His poem 'Shunya Shrungarte' published in prestigious Marathi literary Journal Satya Katha in 1954 earned him quick attention. He completed matriculation and later helped his family in business. It was a small hotel and as his business was a failure, he moved to Mumbai in 1959. Khanolkar was known in the Marathi literary circles even before he settled in Mumbai. He got a job in Mumbai Radio. But he has to give it up due to his eccentric behaviour. Thus he had to face a lot of financial troubles during his early life in Mumbai.

He published his first poetry collection in the year 1959 titled, Jogva. In 1962 he published Divelagan, anthology of poems. His poems portrayed agitation and distress rather than love and romance. Khanolkar's first novel 'Ratra Kali Ghagar Kali' was published in 1962. His first significant work was 'Kondura' in 1966, which made him an established novelist. Trishanku (1968) and Ganuraya Ani Chani (1970) are the next two noted works. Khanolkar has been associated with theater works as well and his most significant contribution to Marathi theatre was Ek Shunya Bajirao.

Published: N/A

Updated: February 19, 2014