Veteran Marathi writer and playwright Ratnakar Matkari has died, family sources said on Monday.

Matkari, 81, considered a pioneer of the children's drama movement in Marathi, died at a hospital in suburban Marol here late Sunday night, a BMC official said.

Matkari had tested coronavirus positive last week, the official said.

From storybooks for kids to plays, his work in Marathi literature was phenomenal, a writer said.

In his condolence message, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said, “We have lost a precious gem from the world of literature. He wrote for children and for grown-ups as well." "His immense contribution in various forms such as plays, short stories, novel has enriched the world of Marathi literature," Thackeray added.

महाराष्ट्राच्या साहित्य विश्र्वातील अमुल्य असे एक साहित्य 'रत्न' निखळले, अशा शब्दांत मुख्यमंत्री उद्धव बाळासाहेब ठाकरे यांनी ज्येष्ठ साहित्यिक, नाटककार रत्नाकर मतकरी यांना श्रद्धांजली वाहिली आहे. रत्नाकर मतकरी गेल्याची बातमी मनाला खूप वेदना देऊन जाणारी आहे.

— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) May 18, 2020

Born in Mumbai on November 17, 1938, he was a famous Marathi writer along with a director and producer for many Marathi films. Being a self-taught artist and writer, he also wrote many columns in many newspapers and magazines in the 1970s.

Talking about his acting skills, the veteran actor made his mark in various plays including Prem Kahani, Vinashakadun Vinashakade, Lokakatha 78 and Sate Lote. Adbhutachya Rajyat was one of his famous one-man shows. The character he portrayed in movies like Bhai - Vyakti Ki Valli 2, Char Divas Premache and the National Award-winning Film Investment garnered huge applauds.

The recipient of Dadasaheb Phalke Award on his directorial front presented a number of shows on Mumbai Doordarshan with Shardache Chandane was a huge hit.

He was also the member of the advisory committee of All India Radio as well as was the part of film scrutinising committee from 1988–91.

(With inputs from PTI)