Nagpur: Well-known Marathi literary critic and writer Asha Saodekar passed away on Thursday. She was 72. Born and brought-up in Nagpur, she was also a beloved teacher of many well known authors, poets and journalists in Nagpur.
During her five-decade career as literary critic, Saodekar reviewed the writings of many well-known authors who had a significant impact on Marathi literature. Who’s Who from Marathi literary scenario paid tributes to Saodekar as news of her demise spread on social media on Thursday.
She leaves behind a son, who works in USA, and family members. She used to live along with a caretaker and her sister-in-law at HB Estate, Sonegaon. She was a patient of amnesia. Her Covid-19 test was not done, informed her doctor.
Saodekar was an authority on Marathi poetry and her critical appreciation of poetry titled ‘Mushafiri’ published in 2000 is considered a milestone in literary criticism. Her other major contribution is documentation of poetry of Marathi poets in Vidarbha region published as ‘Kavita Vidarbhachi’ (poetry of Vidarbha) in 1991. This book is still considered the most authentic one on Marathi poets in Vidarbha region.
Saodekar was also a regular columnist for many newspapers in Nagpur in which she made it a point to write about emerging authors and poets in Marathi to encourage them. She edited ‘Yugwani’, a mouthpiece of Vidarbha Sahitya Sangh (VSS) Nagpur for three years between 1986 and 1989.
Along with being the most renowned literary critic of contemporary times, Saodekar also has a Marathi novel ‘Mi Tulas Tuzya Angani’ to her credit.
She was born Asha Gajanan Bhawalkar in Nagpur. She completed her secondary education at Bhide Girls’ School and her BA in 1968 and MA (Marathi) in 1970 from the then Nagpur Mahavidyalay (Old Morris College). In 1975, she received PhD on ‘Critical study of Poetry of B R Tambe’. Later, when it was published as a book in 1979, it became famous as a testimonial of Marathi literary criticism.
She was suffering from amnesia for last two years. She would often forget to take her medicine. Dr Nikhil, a family friend, was taking care of her health. Her family friend Asha Bage said Dr. Nikhil will perform the last rites.