Renowned Marathi writer, journalist Arun Sadhu passes away at 76 in Mumbai

Arun Sadhu was 76.

Renowned Marathi author and senior journalist, Arun Sadhu (75) passed away on Monday at 4 am in Mumbai. He was admitted to Sion Hospital, where
he breathed his last.

Sadhu was admitted on Sunday in a critical condition and put on ventilator. Dr Jayshree Mondkar, dean-in-charge of the hospital, said: “He was suffering from cardia myopathy.”

His mortal remains were brought to his Bandra residence, Sahityaniwas. Prominent personalities from all walks of life paid rich tributes to the author. Later, the family donated the body to J J Hospital in accordance with his wishes.

“Arun Sadhu’s novel Sinhasan and Mumbai Dinank are landmark in Marathi literature. He wrote on contemporary issues, problems of metropolitan life very effectively. He guided generations of journalists. His demise is sad. I offer my deep condolences and share the sorrow of his family and friends,” Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.

Sadhu, who was bestowed the Sahitya Akademi Award, had left a lasting impression as an author through his in-depth writing on serious social and political subjects. His literary works were always well-researched and he breathed life into all the characters.

Although every novel he had written received huge accolades, it was “Sinhasan” (Throne) which had captured the imagination of his readers for its outstanding plot. The novel was based on politics and corruption. It highlighted the deep nexus and strong network that co-existed and relations between politicians and trade union leaders and industries.

It was followed by another great novel titled “Mumbai Dinank”. Later, both these works became the script for a movie.

Sadhu also worked in various English language publications, including The Statesman and Free Press Journal, where he reported on daily events and analysed the socio-economic and political developments in Maharashtra. Till recently, he continued as a freelancer penning articles for popular Marathi and English dailies. Sadhu also served as professor and head of the department of Communication and Journalism at Pune University.

The Editor-In-Chief of Zee 24 Taas, Uday Nirgudkar said: “Today, there are very few editors or journalists who can report, analyse and speak on the daily happenings in wide range of topics from local politics to international affairs with great authority. Arun Sadhu was definitely one amongst them which is depicted through his writings on China, Russia to a story on a small boot polish boy in city. His writings give insight on international, national affairs stretched over decades, centuries and millenium. He was an encyclopedia on social, politics and culture.”

“A little boy’s journey from a village in Achalpur in Paratwada (Vidarbha) to an editor of an English daily, successful author is an extraordinary feat. It was on the outcome of intellect and great hard work,” Nirgudkar observed.

From contemporary history to short stories, Sadhu has a long list of books. Apart from Sinhasan and Mumbai Dainik, the other works include Kakasaheb Gadgil, Fidel Castro, Che Ani Kranti, Dragan Jaga Jhalyawar, Mukhawata, Simhasam, Mumbai Dinank, Shodyatra, Pphot, Bahishkurt, Trishanku, Tisri Kranti.

While Padgam was a play, Glanirbhavati Bharat was a book of short stories. He also co-scripted the film on life and works of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar along with Daya Pawar and Sooni Taraporevala.

“Sadhu was a great mix of creative writing and political philosophy. His novel Sinhasan and Mumbai Dinank are a milestone in Marathi literature. He was a scholarly writer who came across as warm-hearted human being, Though he always moved in literary circles, he kept aloof from petty politics and isms,” the former editor and political commentator Bharatkumar Raut said.

Sadhu is survived by his wife Aruna, a social activist, and two daughters, Suvarna and Shefali.