Marathi writer, playwright Ratnakar Matkari passes away at 81

Veteran Marathi writer and playwright Ratnakar Matkari who was tested coronavirus positive died at a hospital at suburban Marol in Mumbai. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray condoled the death of the writer.

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Veteran Marathi writer and playwright Ratnakar Matkari passed away, 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 in Mumbai late Sunday night, a BMC official said.

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

From story books 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, novels has enriched the world of Marathi literature," Thackeray said.

(PTI report)