Prahlad Keshav Atre

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Prahlad Keshav Atre (13-Aug-1898 to 13-Jun-1969), better known as Acharya Atre, was an Indian playwright and novelist in the Marathi language, and a major contributor to Marathi literature. His works range from plays to sonnets to verse parodies, and have influenced many later Marathi literateurs. His poetry was written under the pseudonym "Makarand" and "Keshav Kumar". He also wrote "Shyamale" poem under the pseudonym "Maulana Allaudin Khilji".

Born at Saswad near Pune in present-day Maharashtra, Atre started his career as a teacher and is also known for his novel experiments in that field. However, he is best known for his contribution to Marathi literature and social life. He was a successful playwright even during the downtime of Marathi theatre and his comedies like "Sashtang Namaskar", "Moruchi Maushi" (1947) and social plays like "To mee Navhech" and "Gharabaher" were all hits. He was also a successful poet; his collection of poems "Zhenduchi Phule" receiving wide acclaim. He has written a lot about himself and his life. "Mee Kasa Jhalo" and his 5-volume autobiography "Karheche Paani" constitute a major portion of his writings. Atre’s short-stories, novels, autobiographies and column writings are considered a valuable contribution to Marathi literature.

His 'Navyug Vachanmala' (1937) and 'Subhash Vachanmala' (1962) were used as guidelines while teaching Marathi language in schools.

Atre was also a successful journalist and movie director. One of his movies, Shyamchi Aai, (1953), received the national award for the best film of the year.

He was a great public speaker. His speeches, especially during the 'Sanyukta Maharashatra Andolan' used to receive huge response from the common people. He had great sense of humor.

His contribution as all round writer (novels, poetry, autobiography, plays, parody, etc.), movie producer, director, orator, journalist, academics and leader earned him the 'Acharya' title.

[edit] Important works

Atre's notable works include:

Plays -

Sashtang Namaskar (1935)
Gharabaher (1934)
Bhramacha Bhopala (1935)
Udyacha Sansar (1936)
Lagnachi Bedi (1936)
Moruchi Maushi (1947)
To Mi Navhech (1962) — based on a real-life scandal

Books -

Changuna (1954)
Battashi va itar katha (1954)
Mahatma Jyotiba Phule (1958)
Suryasta (1964) - On Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru
Samadhivaril Ashru (1956)
Kelyane Deshatan (1961)
Atre Uwach (1937)
Lalit Vangmaya (1944)
Hasha ani Talya (1958)

Poetry -

Jhenduchi Phulen (1925) - Parody of some of the most famous poetry in Marathi at the time.

Autobiography -

Karheche Pani (5 volumes)(1963, 1964, 1965, 1967 and 1968)
Mi Kasa Jhalo (1953)

Movies -

Bramhachari - Script of one of the most famous comedies in Marathi, popular to date.
Shamchi Aai - Won the first National award for Best Movie in 1953.
Premveer - Script writer
Dharmveer - Script writer
Brandichi Batli - Script writer
Mahatma Phule (1955) - Recipient of President's "Silver Medal"

Journalist -

Started weekly 'Saptahik Navyug' (1940-1962) and 'Tukaram' (1954)
Evening newspaper 'Jai Hind' (1948)
Daily 'Maratha' (1956 - Till the end)

Honors -

President of 27th 'Maharashatra Sahitya Sammelan' at Nasik (1942)
President of 38th 'Natya Sammelan' at Belgaon (1955)
President of 10th 'Maharashatra Patrakar Sammelan' (1950)
He was also president of Regional Sahitya Sammelan at Baroda, Indore and Gwaliar