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{{short description|Indian Marathi playwright, actor and theatre director}}
{{short description|Indian Marathi playwright, actor and theatre director (born 1949)}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
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| image              = File:Satish Alekar 01.jpg
| image              = File:Satish Alekar 01.jpg
| alt                =  
| alt                =  
| caption            = Prof. Alekar at [[IUCAA]] canteen 'Ballava' in [[Pune]], [[India]]
| caption            = Alekar at [[IUCAA]] canteen 'Ballava' in [[Pune]], [[India]]
| birth_date        = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1949|01|30}}
| birth_date        = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1949|01|30}}
| birth_place        = [[Delhi]]
| birth_place        = [[Delhi]], India
| nationality        = Indian
| other_names        =  
| other_names        = Satish Vasant Alekar
| years_active      = 1971–present
| years_active      = 1971–present
| known_for          = Marathi playwright, Teaching, Theatre Outreach in Maharashtra
| known_for          = [[Jait Re Jait]]
| occupation        = playwright, stage actor, director, Teacher
| awards            = [[Sangeet Natak Academy]]
| honours            = [[Padma Shri]] (2012)
| occupation        = Playwright, stage actor, director, teacher
}}
}}
'''Satish Vasant Alekar''' (born 30 January 1949<ref>Kartik Chandra Dutt: [https://books.google.com/books?id=QA1V7sICaIwC&pg=PA33&dq=%22Alekar,+Satish%22+1949&hl=de&sa=X&ei=dJnIUbaUNY_AswaXyYHYCw&ved=0CEQQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=%22Alekar%2C%20Satish%22%201949&f=false Who's who of Indian Writers, 1999: A-M]</ref>) is a [[Marathi people|Marathi]] playwright, actor, and theatre director. A founder member of the Theatre Academy of [[Pune]], and most known for his plays ''Mahanirvan'' (1974), ''Mahapoor'' (1975), ''Atirekee'' (1990), ''Pidhijat'' (2003), ''Mickey ani Memsahib'' (1973), and ''Begum Barve'' (1979), all of which he also directed for the Academy. Today, along with [[Mahesh Elkunchwar]] and [[Vijay Tendulkar]] he is one of the most influential and progressive playwrights not just in modern [[Marathi theatre]], but also larger modern [[Indian theatre]].<ref name=mi>{{cite news|url=http://www.livemint.com/2009/02/06211922/Fringe-takes-centre-stage.html|title=Fringe takes centre stage: The importance of being Mahesh Elkunchwar and Satish Alekar in Marathi theatre|date=6 February 2009|publisher=Mint |access-date=3 April 2010}}</ref><ref>[[#Dh|Dharwadker, p. 413]]</ref><ref>[[#Ru|Rubin, p. 156]]</ref>
'''Satish Vasant Alekar''' (born 30 January 1949<ref>Kartik Chandra Dutt: [https://books.google.com/books?id=QA1V7sICaIwC&dq=%22Alekar%2C+Satish%22+1949&pg=PA33 Who's who of Indian Writers, 1999: A-M]</ref>) is a [[Marathi people|Marathi]] [[playwright]], [[actor]], [[theatre director]] and [[professor]]. A founder member of the Theatre Academy of [[Pune]], and most known for his plays ''Mahanirvan'' (1974), ''Mahapoor'' (1975), ''Atirekee'' (1990), ''Pidhijat'' (2003), ''Mickey ani Memsahib'' (1973), and ''Begum Barve'' (1979), all of which he also directed for the Academy. ''Ek Divas Mathakade'' (2012) and '' Thakishi Samvad'' (2024) these two recent plays were directed by [[Nipun Dharmadhikari]] and Anupam Barve respectively. Along with [[Mahesh Elkunchwar]] and [[Vijay Tendulkar]], he is considered among the most influential and progressive playwrights in modern [[Marathi theatre|Marathi]] and [[Indian theatre]].<ref name=mi>{{cite news|url=http://www.livemint.com/2009/02/06211922/Fringe-takes-centre-stage.html|title=Fringe takes centre stage: The importance of being Mahesh Elkunchwar and Satish Alekar in Marathi theatre|date=6 February 2009|publisher=Mint |access-date=3 April 2010}}</ref><ref>[[#Dh|Dharwadker, p. 413]]</ref><ref>[[#Ru|Rubin, p. 156]]</ref>


He has also remained the head of Centre for Performing Arts, [[University of Pune]] (1996–2009), which he founded, after forgoing the Directorship of [[National School of Drama|NSD]]<ref>[[#Ya|Yarrow, p. 168]]</ref> and previously remained an adjunct professor at various universities in US, at the Duke University, Durhum, NC (1994), Performance Studies, [[Tisch School of the Arts]], [[New York University]] as a [[Fulbright Scholar]] (2003).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-02-08/pune/27854093_1_national-award-theatre-academy-state-awards|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811054829/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-02-08/pune/27854093_1_national-award-theatre-academy-state-awards|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 August 2011|title=Playwright Satish Alekar wins UoP award|date=8 February 2005|access-date=3 April 2010|first1=Siddhartha D.|work=[[The Times of India]]|last1=Kashyap}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110721180850/http://www.usief.org.in/USPSummerSeminar/newsletter/Feb10/ON_FULBRIGHT_IN_THE_FREEZING.htm "On Fulbright in Freezing New York of Spring 2003"], ''USIEF'', 6 February 2010. Retrieved on 16 January 2015.</ref> and Dept. Theatre and Film Studies, University of Georgia, Athens, GA (2005)
He has also remained the head of Centre for Performing Arts, [[University of Pune]] (1996–2009), which he founded, after forgoing the Directorship of [[National School of Drama|NSD]]<ref>[[#Ya|Yarrow, p. 168]]</ref> and previously remained an adjunct professor at various universities in US, at the [[Duke University]], Durhum, NC (1994), Performance Studies, [[Tisch School of the Arts]], [[New York University]] as a [[Fulbright Scholar]] (2003),<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Playwright-Satish-Alekar-wins-UoP-award/articleshow/1014894.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811054829/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-02-08/pune/27854093_1_national-award-theatre-academy-state-awards|url-status=live|archive-date=11 August 2011|title=Playwright Satish Alekar wins UoP award|date=8 February 2005|access-date=3 April 2010|first1=Siddhartha D.|work=[[The Times of India]]|last1=Kashyap}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110721180850/http://www.usief.org.in/USPSummerSeminar/newsletter/Feb10/ON_FULBRIGHT_IN_THE_FREEZING.htm "On Fulbright in Freezing New York of Spring 2003"], ''USIEF'', 6 February 2010. Retrieved on 16 January 2015.</ref> and Dept. Theatre and Film Studies, [[University of Georgia]], Athens, GA (2005).


He was awarded the [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]] in [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award#Playwriting|Playwriting]] (Marathi) in 1994, by [[Sangeet Natak Akademi]], India's National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama. He received the award '''"Padamshree" (पद्मश्री)''' conferred by the President of India in January 2012.<ref name="Padma Awards">{{cite web|url= http://www.pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=79881|title= Padma Awards|publisher=pib|date= 27 January 2013 |access-date= 27 January 2013 }}</ref>
He was awarded the [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]] in [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award#Playwriting|Playwriting]] (Marathi) in 1994, by [[Sangeet Natak Akademi]], India's National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama. He received the [[Padma Shri]] award in January 2012.<ref name="Padma Awards">{{cite web|url= http://www.pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=79881|title= Padma Awards|publisher=pib|date= 27 January 2013 |access-date= 27 January 2013 }}</ref>
Since 2013 Satish Alekar is nominated by Savitribai Phule Pune University as Distinguished Professor on the campus.  
After his retirement Satish Alekar was nominated by [[Savitribai Phule Pune University]] as Distinguished Professor on the campus from 2013 to September 2022. He is still on the visiting faculty of the [[Savitribai Phule Pune University|Pune University]] and the [[National School of Drama]] in [[Delhi]].  
Recently he is also known for his screen acting both in Marathi and Hindi feature films. He is seen in the character roles of award-winning films like ''Ventilator'' (2016).
Recently he is also known for his screen acting in Marathi and Hindi feature films. He is seen in the character roles of films like ''[[Ventilator (2016 film)|Ventilator]]'' (2016).


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Alekar was born in [[Delhi]], India, but grew up in [[Pune]], a center of [[Marathi people|Marathi]] culture in [[Maharashtra]]. He studied in Marathi medium school 'New English School', Ramanbag which was established in 1880 by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Further, he went to Fergusson College and completed his BSc He received his master's degree in [[biochemistry]] from University of Pune in 1972
Alekar was born in [[Delhi]], India. He but grew up in [[Pune]], [[Maharashtra]] in a [[Marathi Brahmin]] family. He attended the Marathi medium school New English School, Ramanbag which was established by Lokmanya [[Bal Gangadhar Tilak]]. After high school, he attended [[Fergusson College]] for his undergraduate Bsc degree in sciences. He received his master's degree in [[biochemistry]] from [[University of Pune]] in 1972.{{citation needed|date=November 2025}}


==Career==
==Career==
Alekar gained his first stage experience as an actor in a college play. Impressed by his performance, director [[Bhalba Kelkar]], who had set up the ''Progressive Dramatic Association'', invited him to join it. Alekar wrote and directed his first one-act play ''Jhulta Pool'' in 1969. He became a part of a young circle that [[Jabbar Patel]] had started within the ''Progressive Dramatic Association''.
===Theatre===
Alekar gained his first stage experience as an actor in a college play. Impressed by his performance, director [[Bhalba Kelkar]], who had set up the Progressive Dramatic Association, invited him to join it. Alekar wrote and directed his first one-act play ''Jhulta Pool'' in 1969. He became a part of a young circle that [[Jabbar Patel]] had started within the Progressive Dramatic Association.{{citation needed|date=November 2025}}


This group split with the parent body in 1973 and set up ''Theater Academy'' in [[Pune]]. The split was over [[Vijay Tendulkar]]'s play ''[[Ghashiram Kotwal]]''. The senior members decided against its premiere in 1972, and Patel's group decided to produce it under the auspices of its own ''Theater Academy''. Alekar assisted Patel in the direction of ''Ghashiram Kotwal'', and the group has since mounted over 35 plays by him and manage to establish its foothold in experimental Marathi theatre.<ref>[[#Ya|Yarrow, p. 163]]</ref>
This group split with the parent body in 1973 and set up ''Theater Academy'' in [[Pune]]. The split was over [[Vijay Tendulkar]]'s play ''[[Ghashiram Kotwal]]''. The senior members decided against its premiere in 1972, and Patel's group decided to produce it under the auspices of its own Theater Academy. Alekar assisted Patel in the direction of Ghashiram Kotwal, and the group has since mounted over 35 plays by him and manage to establish its foothold in experimental Marathi theatre.<ref>[[#Ya|Yarrow, p. 163]]</ref>


Alekar conceived of and implemented ''Playwrights Development Scheme'' and ''Regional Theater Group Development''. The [[Ford Foundation]] for Theater Academy, [[Pune]] supported these programs during 1985–1994.
Alekar conceived of and implemented Playwrights Development Scheme and Regional Theater Group Development. The [[Ford Foundation]] for Theater Academy, [[Pune]] supported these programs from 1985 to 1994.


Alekar has collaborated in several international play translation projects. The Tisch School of Arts at [[New York University]] invited him in 2003 to teach a course on Indian Theatre. The Department of Theater and Films Studies, [[University of Georgia]] invited him in 2005 to direct an English production of his play ''Begum Barve''.
Alekar has collaborated in several international play translation projects. The Tisch School of Arts at [[New York University]] invited him in 2003 to teach a course on Indian Theatre. The Department of Theater and Films Studies, [[University of Georgia]] invited him in 2005 to direct an English production of his play ''Begum Barve''.


The Holy Cow Performing Arts Group in [[Edinburgh]], [[Scotland]] performed an English version of Alekar's ''Micky And Memsahib'' on 27 and 28 August 2009 at Riddle's Court in [[Edinburgh Fringe Festival]] '09.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-07-17/pune/28164278_1_english-version-theatre-academy-mahesh-elkunchwar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811054834/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-07-17/pune/28164278_1_english-version-theatre-academy-mahesh-elkunchwar|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 August 2011|title=Alekar's play to be staged at Edinburgh|date=17 July 2009|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=3 April 2010}}</ref>
The Holy Cow Performing Arts Group in [[Edinburgh]], [[Scotland]] performed an English version of Alekar's ''Micky and Memsahib'' on 27 and 28 August 2009 at Riddle's Court at the [[Edinburgh Fringe Festival]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Alekars-play-to-be-staged-at-Edinburgh/articleshow/4786879.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811054834/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-07-17/pune/28164278_1_english-version-theatre-academy-mahesh-elkunchwar|url-status=live|archive-date=11 August 2011|title=Alekar's play to be staged at Edinburgh|date=17 July 2009|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=3 April 2010}}</ref>


During July 1996 – January 2009, Alekar worked as a professor and the Head of the ''Center for Performing Arts''(Lalit Kala Kendra) at [[University of Pune]]. Previously he was a research officer in Biochemistry at the government-run [[B. J. Medical College, Pune]].He was working as the Honorary Director for a program supported by Ratan Tata Trust at the University of Pune during 2009–2011. In September 2013 University of Pune honoured Satish Alekar by nominating him as '''Distinguished Professor''' on the campus. University of Pune is the first state University in India to nominate Distinguished Professors on the campus.
===Other employment===
After obtaining his master's degree, Alekar worked as a research officer in biochemistry at the government-run [[B. J. Medical College, Pune]].
 
From July 1996 to January 2009, he worked as a professor and the head of the Center for Performing Arts (Lalit Kala Kendra) at [[University of Pune]]. He was working as the honorary director for a program supported by Ratan Tata Trust at the University of Pune from 2009 to 2011. From 2013 to 2022 he was nominated by University of Pune as distinguished professor on the campus.


===Plays===
===Plays===


====List of original Marathi मराठी plays written since 1973====
====Original Marathi plays written since 1973====


# '''Micki Aani Memsaheb मिकी आणि मेमसाहेब'''  (1973)*
* Micki Aani Memsaheb मिकी आणि मेमसाहेब (1973)*
# '''Mahanirvan महानिर्वाण''' (1974)*
* Mahanirvan महानिर्वाण (1974)*
# '''Mahapoor महापूर''' (1975)
* Mahapoor महापूर (1975)
# '''Begum Barve बेगम बर्वे'''  (1979)*
* Begum Barve बेगम बर्वे (1979)*
# '''Shanwar Raviwar शनवार रविवार''' (1982)*
* Shanwar Raviwar शनवार रविवार (1982)*
# '''Dusra Samana दुसरा सामना'''  (1987)
* Dusra Samana दुसरा सामना (1987)
# '''Atireki अतिरेकी''' (1990)*
* Atireki अतिरेकी (1990)*
# '''Pidhijat पिढीजा'''त (2003)*
* Pidhijat पिढीजात (2003)*
#'''Ek Divas Mathakade''' एक दिवस मठाकडे (2012)
* Ek Divas Mathakade एक दिवस मठाकडे (2012)
#  '''Thakishi Sanvad'''' '''ठकीशी संवाद''' (2020) New Play written during COVID-19 lockdown (March–July 2020) to be produced in 2022-23
* ''Thakishi Sanvad'' ''ठकीशी संवाद'' (2020), written during COVID-19 lockdown (March–July 2020),produced by Rakhdi Studio, Pune in 2024.
* Mahapoor (1975), dir. Mohan Gokhale for Theatre Academy, Pune
* Dusra Samna (1987), dir. Waman Kendre for Kala Vaibhav, Mumbai
* Ek Divas Mathakade (2012), dir. Nipun Dharmadhikari for Natak Company, Pune


<nowiki>*</nowiki> Plays directed by Satish Alekar for Theatre Academy, Pune.
<nowiki>*</nowiki> Plays directed by Alekar for Theatre Academy, Pune
# Mahapoor (1975) Directed by Mohan Gokhale for Theatre Academy, Pune
# Dusra Samna (1987) Directed by Waman Kendre for Kala Vaibhav, Mumbai
# Ek Divas Mathakade (2012) Directed by Nipun Dharmadhikari for Natak Company, Pune


=====List of original Marathi मराठी  one-act plays=====
=====Original Marathi one-act plays=====
# '''Memory मेमरी'''  (1969)
* Memory मेमरी (1969)
# '''Bhajan भजन'''  (1969)
* Bhajan भजन (1969)
# '''Ek Zulta Pool एक झुलता पूल''' (1971)*
* Ek Zulta Pool एक झुलता पूल (1971)
# '''Dar Koni Ughadat Naahi दर कोणी उघडत नाही''' (1979)
* Dar Koni Ughadat Naahi दर कोणी उघडत नाही (1979)
# '''Bus Stop बस स्टॅाप''' (1980)
* Bus Stop बस स्टॅाप (1980)


=====List of adapted/translated one-act plays and Plays=====
=====Adapted/translated one-act plays and plays=====
# '''Judge जज्ज''' (1968)
* Judge जज्ज (1968)
# '''Yamuche Rahasya यमुचे रहस्य'''  (1976)
* Yamuche Rahasya यमुचे रहस्य (1976)
# '''Bhint भिंत'''  (1980)*
* Bhint भिंत (1980)
# '''Valan वळण''' (1980)*
* Valan वळण (1980)
# '''Pralay प्रलय''' (1985)* Marathi version of '''Gunther Grass's German Play The Flood'''
* Pralay प्रलय (1985), Marathi version of Gunther Grass's German play ''The Flood''
# '''Alshi Uttarvalyachi Gosht आळशी अत्तरवाल्याची गोष्ट''' (1999)**
* Alshi Uttarvalyachi Gosht आळशी अत्तरवाल्याची गोष्ट (1999)
# '''Nashibvan Baiche Don नशीबवान बाईचे दोन''' (1999)**
* Nashibvan Baiche Don नशीबवान बाईचे दोन (1999)
# '''Supari सुपारी''' (2002)
* Supari सुपारी (2002)
# '''Karmaachari कर्मचारी''' (2009)
* Karmaachari कर्मचारी (2009)


<nowiki>**</nowiki> Directed by Satish Alekar for Lalit Kala Kendra ललित कला केंद्र  (Centre For Performing Arts, University of Pune)<br>
Alekar started writing at the age of 19 as a chemistry graduation, though most of his early works were short plays.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2003/08/06/stories/2003080600280100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030829140404/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2003/08/06/stories/2003080600280100.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=29 August 2003|title= Writing performance: "I write a performance, not a play. That is my strength and also my limitation," says Satish Alekar|date=6 August 2003|work=The Hindu|access-date=3 April 2010}}</ref> Many of his plays are set around [[Pune]] [[Brahmin]] society, highlighting their narrow mindedness and subsequently he ventured into small-town politics with ''Doosra Samna'' (1989).<ref>[[#Ka|Kasbekar, p. 58]]</ref> ''Mahanirvan'' (1973) (The Dread Departure) finds black humour through Hindu death rites in Brahmins and its overt seriousness is today Alekar's best-known early work and has since been performed in Bengali, Hindi, Dongri, Konkani and Gujarati.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19991203/ige03093.html|title=Satish Alekar revisited|date=3 December 1999 |newspaper=Indian Express|access-date=3 April 2010}}</ref> It was originally a one-act play and he had later expanded it at Patel's insistence. It was first staged on 22 November 1974 at the Bharat Natya Mandir, by the Theatre Academy, Pune and was revived in 1999 for its 25th anniversary, and was performed at the same venue, with most of the original cast intact.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19991119/ile19223.html|title=A fitting encore|date=19 November 1999 |newspaper=Indian Express|access-date=3 April 2010}}</ref>
<nowiki>*</nowiki> Directed for Theatre Academy, Pune
 
Alekar started writing at the age of 19 as a chemistry graduation, though most of his early work were short plays.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2003/08/06/stories/2003080600280100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030829140404/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2003/08/06/stories/2003080600280100.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=29 August 2003|title= Writing performance: "I write a performance, not a play. That is my strength and also my limitation," says Satish Alekar|date=6 August 2003|work=The Hindu|access-date=3 April 2010}}</ref> Many of his plays are set around [[Pune]] [[Brahmin]] society, highlighting their narrow mindedness and subsequently he ventured into small-town politics with ''Doosra Samna'' (1989).<ref>[[#Ka|Kasbekar, p. 58]]</ref> ''Mahanirvan'' (1973) (The Dread Departure) finds black humour through Hindu death rites in Brahmins and its overt seriousness is today Alekar's best-known early work and has since been performed in Bengali, Hindi, Dongri, Konkani and Gujarati.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19991203/ige03093.html|title=Satish Alekar revisited|date=3 December 1999 |newspaper=Indian Express|access-date=3 April 2010}}</ref> It was originally a one-act play and he had later expanded it at Patel's insistence. It was first staged on 22 November 1974 at the Bharat Natya Mandir, by the Theatre Academy, Pune and was revived in 1999 for its 25th anniversary, and was performed at the same venue, with most of the original cast intact.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19991119/ile19223.html|title=A fitting encore|date=19 November 1999 |newspaper=Indian Express|access-date=3 April 2010}}</ref>


''Mickey Ani Memsaheb'' (1974) was his first full-length script. With the exception of his ''Mahapoor'' (1975), he directed all of his own plays. Alekar's ''Begum Barve'' (1979) is regarded as a classic of contemporary Marathi theatre.<ref>[http://www.intellectbooks.co.uk/journals/view-Article,id=16528/ "Begum Barve: Embodiment of subversive fantasy"], ''Intellect Ltd.'', April 2013.</ref> It deals with the eponymous female impersonator's memories and fantasies. After his musical company closed down, a minor singer-actor starts selling incense sticks on the street and gets exploited by his employer. One day his fantasies get enmeshed with those of a pair of clerks who were his regular customers, and those fantasies get almost fulfilled. The play staged in Rajasthani, Punjabi, Gujarati, Bengali, Konkani, Tamil and [[Kannada]].<ref name=mi/> In 2009, 30 years after its first production, the play returned to Mumbai with its original cast of Chandrakant Kale, and [[Mohan Aghashe]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/dream-run/411425/|title=Dream Run|date=16 January 2009|newspaper=Indian Express|access-date=3 April 2010}}</ref>
''Mickey Ani Memsaheb'' (1974) was his first full-length script. With the exception of his ''Mahapoor'' (1975), he directed all of his own plays. Alekar's ''Begum Barve'' (1979) is regarded as a classic of contemporary Marathi theatre.<ref>[http://www.intellectbooks.co.uk/journals/view-Article,id=16528/ "Begum Barve: Embodiment of subversive fantasy"], ''Intellect Ltd.'', April 2013.</ref> It deals with the eponymous female impersonator's memories and fantasies. After his musical company closed down, a minor singer-actor starts selling incense sticks on the street and gets exploited by his employer. One day his fantasies get enmeshed with those of a pair of clerks who were his regular customers, and those fantasies get almost fulfilled. The play staged in Rajasthani, Punjabi, Gujarati, Bengali, Konkani, Tamil and [[Kannada]].<ref name=mi/> In 2009, 30 years after its first production, the play returned to Mumbai with its original cast of Chandrakant Kale, and [[Mohan Aghashe]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/dream-run/411425/|title=Dream Run|date=16 January 2009|newspaper=Indian Express|access-date=3 April 2010}}</ref>
Line 86: Line 88:
Alekar's other plays are ''Bhajan'', ''Bhinta'', ''Walan'', ''Shanivar-Ravivar'' (1982), ''Dusra Samna'' (1987), and ''Atireki'' (1990). The first three are one-act plays. ''Atireki'' is marked by irony, wit, and tangential take-offs from absurd premises. In January 2011 a book of short plays translated/adapted into Marathi by Satish Alekar published by M/s Neelkanth Prakashan, Pune under the title "Adharit Ekankika".
Alekar's other plays are ''Bhajan'', ''Bhinta'', ''Walan'', ''Shanivar-Ravivar'' (1982), ''Dusra Samna'' (1987), and ''Atireki'' (1990). The first three are one-act plays. ''Atireki'' is marked by irony, wit, and tangential take-offs from absurd premises. In January 2011 a book of short plays translated/adapted into Marathi by Satish Alekar published by M/s Neelkanth Prakashan, Pune under the title "Adharit Ekankika".


'''Two Crtique published on plays Mahanirvan (Dread Departure) and Begum Barve in Marathi:'''
In 2022, all of Alekar's plays, including short plays in Marathi, were published as a new edition by the Popular Prakashan, Mumbai.
 
1) '''"Mahanirvan: Sameeksha aani Sansmarne"  (महानिर्वाण समिक्षा आणि संस्मरणे)''' (A volume of critique in Marathi  on the play ' Mahanirvan'-Dread Departure Edited by Dr. Rekha Inmadar-Sane published by M/s Rajhans Prakashan, Pune, I Edition Dec 1999, II Edition March 2008, {{ISBN|81-7434-165-X}}, Pages: 254, Price Rs.250/-) The volume first published in 1999 to mark the 25th year run of the production of the play produced by Theatre Academy, Pune directed by Satish Alekar. Volume included 90 pages of the extensive interview of the playwright Satish Alekar.
 
2) '''"Begum Barve Vishayee" (बेगम बर्वे विषयी)'''  (About the play Begum Barve) Edited by Dr. Rekha Inamdar-Sane published in June 2010 {{ISBN|978-81-7434-501-1}} by M/s Rajhans Prakashan, Pune,
Pages 169, Price: Rs. 200/- The books has nine articles analysing the text and the performance written by well-known theatre scholars.
 
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(Alekar's plays are available from Neelkanth Prakashan, Sadashiv Peth, Tilak Road, Pune 411030, India. English translations of some of his plays are available from Oxford University Press, Delhi and  Seagull Books, Kolkata. Hindi translations of some of his plays are available from the National School of Drama, Delhi.)???
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His latest Marathi play "Ek Divas Mathakade...." is translated into English and published in the NSD's Theatre Journal "Theatre India" (May 2012)
 
Book Description
 
Satish Alekar,  This volume of Satish Alekar's plays includes some of his finest works in translation: Alekar uses colloquialisms, traditional Maharashtrian performance practices, black humour, and devices from the theatre of the absurd to create an oblique sense of reality in his plays.
The first part of the book includes Mahanirvan (1974), which broaches a subject considered taboo in Indian theatre—death—and defuses the sense of horror surrounding it to show it as an everyday occurrence. The second play, ''Mahapoor'', presents a picture of the middle-class youth of India, torn between the philosophy taught to them and the grim reality of their existence. Atirekee (1990) takes a hard look at terrorism and presents it as a phenomenon that emerges from the circumstances of modern society. Pidhija t (2003), Alekar's most recent play, is a devastating satire on the malleability of morality in both 'tradition' and 'modernity'.
The second part includes two plays—Begum Barve and Mickey ani Memsahib. Begum Barve (1979) is a lament for the cultural forms that are lost to modernity. Barve is a throwback to the lost era of Marathi musicals and the play is about the protagonist's final attempt at living his life on his own terms—an attempt that is cruelly crushed, sadly, by his long-time partner. Mickey ani Memsahib (1973) is a surreal play about an Amazonian woman who controls her scientist husband physically and mentally, who in turn seeks his escape through his scientific experiments. The plot, almost novelistic, is a brilliant satire on the nature of scientific modernity.
The plays have been translated by Gauri Deshpande, Urmila Bhirdikar, Alok Bhalla with Jayant Dhupkar, Pramod Kale, Shanta Gokhale, and Priya Adarkar. Each part of the volume is prefaced by a critical introduction by noted theatre critic, Samik Bandyopadhyay. This volume also includes an interview of Satish Alekar by Bandyopadhyay. Rare photographs of the productions of these plays constitute a special section in the book. A must for students and scholars of modern Indian theatre and cultural studies, this book will also be of interest to scholars of Indian literature in translation. Features
Satish Alekar, leading Indian playwright
Includes six of Alekar's well-known plays
Translations by renowned practitioners
Critical introductions and interview of Alekar by Samik Bandyopadhyay
Photographs of stage productions of the plays
Product Details
440 pages; 24 b/w photographs;
{{ISBN|978-0-19-806023-9}}
{{ISBN|0-19-806023-8}}
NOTE:PLEASE DO NOT COPY PAST ANY TEXT, AS COPYRIGHT INFRINGMENT MEANS ENTIRE ARTICLE WILL BE REMOVED, as per [[WP:COPYVIO]]-->


===Acting reading performance===
===Acting reading performance===
'''Aparichit Pu La (अपरिचित पु.लं.)''',  (2018) a 90 mints acting reading programme on the lesser-known writings of the legendary writer, performer '''P. L. Deshpande''' '''पु.ल.देशपांडे'''  (1919–2000) produced by Shabda Vedh, Pune (शब्द वेध,पुणे) to mark the birth centenary of the writer, conceived by '''Chandrakant Kale''', cast: '''Satish Alekar''', '''Chandrakant Kale''' and '''Girish Kulkarni'''. First show was performed in Pulotsav on 22 November 2018 at Balgamdharva Ranga Mandir, Pune. Since opening of the show in November 2018, performances were staged in Pune, Solapur, Ratnagiri and Mumbai.
''Aparichit Pu La (अपरिचित पु.लं.)'' (2018) was a 90 minute acting reading programme on the lesser-known writings of the writer, performer P. L. Deshpande पु.ल.देशपांडे (1919–2000) produced by Shabda Vedh, Pune (शब्द वेध,पुणे) to mark the birth centenary of the writer, and conceived by Chandrakant Kale. The cast included Satish Alekar, Chandrakant Kale and Girish Kulkarni. The first show was performed in Pulotsav on 22 November 2018 at Balgamdharva Ranga Mandir, Pune. Performances were also staged in Pune, Solapur, Ratnagiri and Mumbai.


===Film scripts===
===Film scripts===
Alekar scripted the [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi|National Film Award]] winning Marathi feature film ''[[Jait Re Jait]]'' in 1977, directed by Jabbar Patel, and later he directed a 13-part Hindi TV serial ''Dekho Magar Pyarse'' for [[Doordarshan]] in 1985. He scripted the dialogues for the Marathi feature film ''Katha Don Ganpatravanchi'' in 1995–96.
Alekar scripted the [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi|National Film Award]], winning Marathi feature film ''[[Jait Re Jait]]'' in 1977, directed by Jabbar Patel. Later he directed the 13-part Hindi TV serial ''Dekho Magar Pyarse'' for [[Doordarshan]] in 1985. He scripted the dialogues for the Marathi feature film ''Katha Don Ganpatravanchi'' in 1995–96.


===Writing for Marathi newspaper===
===Writing for Marathi newspaper===
Written a fortnightly column in Marathi for Sunday edition of Loksatta 'Gaganika' January–December 2015. Column is based on Satish Alekar's journey in to Performing Arts since 1965. The column became popular and now the book "'''Gaganika'''"  (pages 260+12+ 8 P photos, Hb Rs. 375/- Pb Rs. 300/-based on the column is published on 30 April 2017 by M/s Rajahans Prakashan, Pune 411030.(rajhansprakashansales@gmail.com Tel: +91-20-24473459)
Alekar wrote a fortnightly column in Marathi for the Sunday edition of Loksatta ''Gaganika'' from January to December 2015. The column was based on his career in the performing Arts since 1965. The column was popular, and the book ''Gaganika'', based on the column, was published on 30 April 2017 by M/s Rajahans Prakashan, Pune.


==Awards and recognition==
==Awards and recognition==
Some of Alekar's plays have been translated and produced in [[Hindi]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Dogri language|Dogri]], [[amole|Gujarati]], [[Rajasthani language|Rajasthani]], [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], and [[Konkani language|Konkani]]. His plays have been included in the National Anthologies published in 2000–01 by the [[National School of Drama]] and [[Sahitya Akademi]], Delhi.
Some of Alekar's plays have been translated and produced in [[Hindi]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Dogri language|Dogri]], [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Rajasthani language|Rajasthani]], [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], and [[Konkani language|Konkani]]. His plays have been included in the National Anthologies published in 2000–01 by the [[National School of Drama]] and [[Sahitya Akademi]], Delhi.


'''Alekar is the recipient of several national and state awards for his contribution to the field of Theater and Literature.'''
Alekar is the recipient of several national and state awards for his contribution to the field of Theater and Literature.
* In 1974 his collection of short plays '''"Zulta Pool (झुलता पूल"''' received best collection of short plays award from Ministry of Culture, Govt. of Maharashtra.
* In 1975 he received '''Late Ram Ganesh Gadkari''' award from the State of Maharashtra for his play '''Mahanirvan (महानिर्वाण)'''.
* He received '''''Nandikar Sanman''''' at [[Calcutta]] in 1992.
* He received fellowships from the [[Asian Cultural Council]], New York in 1983 to study theatre in the US, and from '''the Ford Foundation''' to study '''Theatre of South Asia''' in 1988.
* He received in 1994 a [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]] for playwriting from '''Sangeet Natak Akademi, Delhi''' (संगीत नाटक अकादमी, दिल्ली)'''.
* Received '''State Award Best Actor in Comedy Role''' played in Marathi film '''Katha Don Ganpatravanchi (कथा दोन गणपतरावांची )''', Directed by Arun Khopkar (1997)
* Received '''Vi Va Shirwadkar award (Poet Kusumagraj)''' for playwriting by Natya Parishad, Nasik in 2007
* Received '''Life Time Achievement felicitation (जीवन गौरव)'''  by Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Natya Parishad, Mumbai in Feb 2012 
* He received the award "'''Padamshree" (पद्मश्री)''' conferred by the President of India in January 2012.<ref name="Padma Awards"/>
* In December 2013 Satish Alekar received '''Balaraj Sahani Memorial Award (बलराज सहानी स्मृती पुरस्कार)''' in Pune for his contribution over last 40 years as a playwright, director and actor.
* In 2014 he was awarded Poet and Playwright '''"Aarati Prabhu Award (कवि आरती प्रभू )"''' by Baba Vardam Theatres, Kudal, Dist. Sindhudurg.
* 2017 '''Tanveer Sanman (तन्वीर सन्मान)''' Prestigious national award for the lifetime contribution to the field of Theatre constituted by veteran actor Dr. Shriram Lagoo through  Rupavedh Pratisthan, Pune. Award function was held in Pune on 9 December 2017.
* 2018 Book '''GAGANIKA (गगनिका)''' received Advt Tryambakrao Shirole award for best non fiction '''(उत्कृष्ट ललित गद्य)''' by '''Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, Pune'''
* 2022 "'''Natavarya Prabhakar Panshikar Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar"''' for the year 2021-22 by the State Government of Maharashtra highest Cultural Life Achievement Award.
''Natakkar Satish Alekar'' (Playwright Satish Alekar), a 90-minute film by [[Atul Pethe]] about Alekar's life and work was released in 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/foot-prints/368804/|title=Foot prints|date=3 October 2008|newspaper=Indian Express|access-date=3 April 2010}}</ref>


==Works==
* In 1974 his collection of short plays ''Zulta Pool (झुलता पूल)'' received best collection of short plays award from Ministry of Culture, Govt. of [[Maharashtra]].
* ''The dread departure'' (Mahanirvan), tr. by Gauri Deshpande. Seagull Books, 1989. {{ISBN|81-7046-059-X}}.
* In 1975 he received Late Ram Ganesh Gadkari award from the State of Maharashtra for his play ''Mahanirvan (महानिर्वाण)''.
* {{cite book|title=Begum Barve|translator=[[Shanta Gokhale]]|publisher=Seagull Books|year=2003|isbn=81-7046-208-8|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/begumbarve0000alek}}
* He received Nandikar Sanman at [[Kolkata]] in 1992.
* "Collected Plays of Satish Alekar. OUP, Delhi 2009, {{ISBN|978-0-19-806023-9}}"
* He received fellowships from the [[Asian Cultural Council]], [[New York City|New York]] in 1983 to study theatre in the [[United States|US]], and from the [[Ford Foundation]] to study Theatre of [[South Asia]] in 1988.
* [http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/LiteratureEnglish/Drama/?view=usa&ci=9780198060239 "Collected Plays of Satish Alekar"]
* He received in 1994 a [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]] for playwriting from Sangeet Natak Akademi, [[Delhi]] (संगीत नाटक अकादमी, दिल्ली).
* Received State Award Best Actor in Comedy Role for the Marathi film ''Katha Don Ganpatravanchi (कथा दोन गणपतरावांची)'', dir. Arun Khopkar (1997)
* Received Vi Va Shirwadkar award (Poet [[Kusumagraj]]) for playwriting by Natya Parishad, [[Nashik|Nasik]] in 2007
* Received Lifetime Achievement felicitation (जीवन गौरव) by [[Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Natya Parishad]], Mumbai in Feb 2012
* He received the award [[Padma Shri]] (पद्मश्री) conferred by the [[President of India]] in January 2012.<ref name="Padma Awards"/>
* In December 2013 Alekar received the Balaraj Sahani Memorial Award (बलराज सहानी स्मृती पुरस्कार) in Pune for his contribution over last 40 years as a playwright, director and actor.
* In 2014 he was awarded Poet and Playwright Aarati Prabhu Award (कवि आरती प्रभू) by Baba Vardam Theatres, [[Kudal]], [[Sindhudurg district]].
* 2017 Tanveer Sanman (तन्वीर सन्मान) national award for the lifetime contribution to the field of Theatre constituted by veteran actor Dr. Shriram Lagoo through Rupavedh Pratisthan, [[Pune]]. Award function was held in Pune on 9 December 2017.  
* 2018 book ''Gaganika (गगनिका)'' received Advt Tryambakrao Shirole award for best non fiction (उत्कृष्ट ललित गद्य) by [[Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad]], [[Pune]]
* 2022 Natavarya Prabhakar Panshikar Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar for the year 2021-22 by the [[Government of Maharashtra]] highest Cultural Life Achievement Award.
* 2022 Vishnudas Bhave Medal award by Natyavidyamandir Samitee, [[Sangli]]
* 2023 Thespo Life Achievement Award at the hands of Utkarsh Mujumdar in the presence of [[Naseeruddin Shah]], [[Ratna Pathak Shah]] and Atul Kuma during Thespo@25 Theatre Fest in [[Mumbai]] on December 10, 2023<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTAacEGtg7U&t=74s | title=- YouTube | website=[[YouTube]] }}</ref>
* 2024 Kantai Jeevan Gourav Award (Life Achievement Award) for 2023 by Bhavarlal Jain Foundation, [[Jalgaon]] at a ceremony held on January 16, 2024 in Jalgaon
* 2024 Bhavanrao Lomte Smruti Rajya Puraskar 2024, [[Ambajogai]] at a function held in Ambejogai by Yeshvantrao Chavan Smruti Samiti, Ambejogai on September 21
* 2025 Janasthan Puraskar by Kusumagraj Pratisthan, [[Nashik]] at a function in Nashik on March 10, 2025.
* 2025 Pune Festival Award for the contribution to theatre in September.
* 2025 The Goa Hindu Association - Dr Subhash Bhede supported Late Shashikant Narvekar award for best play of the year “Thakishi Samvad”.


=== Personal life ===
''Natakkar Satish Alekar'' (Playwright Satish Alekar), a 90-minute film by Atul Pethe about Alekar's life, and work was released in 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/foot-prints/368804/|title=Foot prints|date=3 October 2008|newspaper=Indian Express|access-date=3 April 2010}}</ref>
Satish Alekar belongs to City of Pune. His parents Late Usha and Vasant Alekar were freedom fighters, both involved in India's 1942 movement. Satish Alekar married Anita (Abhyankar) in 1976. They have a son MIKIN. Anita passed away in 2007. He has one younger brother Sudhir and one sister Bharati. Presently he is living in Pune with his son Mikin.


==Academic Honour==
Following Scholars have completed their Ph.D. research on the creative contribution of Satish Alekar as a playwright.


* Sarjerao Rankhamb, Deglur, awarded Ph.D. by SPPU for the research “नाटककार सतीश आळेकर: एक आकलन”, under the guidance of Dr. Manohar Jadhav, Marathi Department, SPPU in July 2019.
==Personal life==
* Smita Rambhau Shinde, Sinnar was awarded her Ph.D. on February 25, 2020 by SPPU for her research on the topic: Reality and Fantasy in the selected plays of Satish Alekar under the guidance of Dr. Rohit Kavle, Sangamner College, Sagamner.    
Alekar belongs to City of Pune. His parents, the late Usha and Vasant Alekar were freedom fighters, both involved in India's 1942 movement.
* Sapanprit: Semiotic Universe of Selected Plays of Satish Alekar and Swarajbir, Central University of Punjab, Bhatinda under the guidance of Dr. Ramanpreet Kaur.
* Neeraj Balasaheb Borse, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad submitted his Ph.D. thesis on the subject “सतीश आळेकर यांच्या नाटकांचा संहितालक्षी आणि प्रयोलक्षी अभ्यास “under the guidance of Dr. Chandrasekhar Kanse, Sirsala, Beed


==Acting in plays==
Alekar married Anita (Abhyankar) in 1976. They have a son. Anita died in 2007. He has one younger brother Sudhir and one sister Bharati. Presently he is living in Pune with his son.


* 1971: As young Man in a short play "Ek Zulta Pool" directed by himself for Intercollegiate Short Play Competition
==Filmography==
* 1974: As the son "Nana" in play "Mahanirvan" directed by himself for Theatre Academy, Pune in more than 100 shows
===Hindi films===
* 1979: As Javadekar in play "Begum Barve" directed by himselh for Theatre Academy, Pune
* 1982: Short play "Boat Futli" Directed by Samar Nakhate for Theatre Academy, Pune.
* 1980: As husband in "Shanwar Raviwar" directed by himself for Theatre Academy, Pune


==Acting in Hindi films (character roles)==
* ''Ye Kahani Nahi (1984)'', dir. Biplav Rai Chowdhary
* ''Devi Ahilya (2002)'', dir. Nachiket Patwardhan
* ''[[Dum Kaata|Dumkata]] (2007)''
* ''[[Aiyyaa]] (2012)''
* ''Dekh Tamasha Desk'' (2014), dir. Feroz Abbas Khan
* ''[[Thackeray (film)|Thackeray]]'', (2019) as [[Jayaprakash Narayan|Jayprakash Narayan]]
* ''[[83 (film)|83]] (2021)'', as [[S. K. Wankhede]]
* ''The Suspect'' (2022) as Dayanand Bharadvaj, Police Commissioner, dir. Samir Karnik, Maverick Pictures, Mumbai


# '''Ye Kahani Nahi (1984)''' Dir. Biplav Rai Chowdhary
===Marathi films/web series===
#'''Devi Ahilya (2002)''' Dir. Nachiket Patwardhan
# '''Dumkata (2007)''' Dir. Amol Palekar
# '''Aiyaa (2012)''' Dir. Sachin Kundalkar
# '''Dekh Tamasha Desk''' (2014) Dir. Feroz Abbas Khan
# '''Thackeray-''' A biopic on Shiv Sena Founder Balasaheb Thackeray (2018) as Jayprakash Narayan  Dir by Abhijit Panse (released on 23 Jan 2019)
# '''83 (2019)''' a film on Indian Cricket Team's win in 1983 World Cup as Sheshrao Wankhede, Dir Kabir Khan, Produced by Vishnuvardhan Induri and Madhu Mantena Varma (released on December 24, 2021 all over)
# '''The Suspect''' (2022) as Dayanand Bharadvaj, Police Commissioner, Dir Samir Karnik, Maverick Pictures, Mumbai (in Making)


==Acting in Marathi films /Web Series (character roles)==
* ''Aakrit'' (1981), dir. Amol Palekar
* ''[[Umbartha]]'' (1982)
* '' [[Dhyaas Parva]]'' (2001)
* ''[[Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (film)|Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar]]'' (2000)
* ''[[Ek Hota Vidushak]]'' (1992)
* ''Katha Don Ganpatravaanchee'' (1996)
* ''[[Kadachit]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Chintoo (film)|Chintoo]]'' (2012), as Colonel Kaka
* ''[[Chintoo 2: Khajinyachi Chittarkatha]]'' (2013), as Colonel Kaka
* ''Hovoon Jaudyaa- We Are On! ''(2013), dir. Amol Palekar
* ''Mhais'' (2013), dir. Shekhar Naik
* ''Aajachaa Diwas Maazaa'' (2013), dir. Chandrakant Kulkarni
* [[Yashwantrao Chavan: Bakhar Eka Vaadalaachi]] (2014)
* ''[[Deool Band]]'' (2015)
* ''[[Welcome Zindagi]]'' (2015)
* ''High Way-Ek Selfie Aar Paar'' (2015), dir. Umesh Kulkarni
* ''[[Rajwade and Sons]] (2015) as Rajwade''
* ''[[Jaundya Na Balasaheb]]!'' (2016)
* ''[[Ventilator (2016 film)|Ventilator]]'' (2016) as Bhau
* ''[[Chi Va Chi Sau Ka]]'' (2017) as Bhudargadkar
* ''[[Mala Kahich Problem Nahi|Mala Kahich Problem Naahi]]'' (2017)
* ''[[Me Shivaji Park|Mee Shivaji Park]]'' (2017) as Satish Joshi
* ''[[Bhai: Vyakti Ki Valli]]'' (2018) as Ramakant Deshpande
* ''[[Bhai: Vyakti Ki Valli 2]]'' (2018) as Ramakant Deshpande
* ''[[Smile Please (2019 film)|Smile Please]]'' (2019) as Appa Joshi
* ''[[Panchak]]'' (2023) as Bal Kaka
* ''[[Pet Puraan]]'' (2021) as Lt. Col. Jarasandh Wagh (Ret'd.), (web series)
* ''Ek Don Teen Char - एक दोन तीन चार'' (2022) as Dr. Vivek Joshi
* ''Kalsutra- कालसूत्र'' (2022),  as Shriram Bidari, (web series)


# Aakrit (1981) Dir. Amol Palekar
===plays===
# Umbartha (1982) Dir. Jabbar Patel
# Dhyas Parva (2001)Dir Amol Palekar
# Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (1991) Dir. Jabbar Patel
# Ek Hota Vidushak (1992) Dir. Jabbar Patel
# Katha Don Ganpatravaanchee (1996) Dir. Arun Khopkar (role of Judge which was awarded for the Best Actor (Comedy), Govt. of Maharashtra)
# Kadachit (2007)  as a Neurosurgeon Dir. Chandrakant Kulkarni
# Chintoo (2012), as Colonel Kaka, Dir.Shrirang Godbole
# Chintoo 2 (Khajinyachi Chittarkatha) as Colonel Kaka  2013 Dir.Shrirang Godbole
# Hovoon Jaudyaa- We Are On! (2013) Dir. Amol Palekar
# Mhais (2013) Dir. Shekhar Naik
# Aajachaa Diwas Maazaa (2013) Dir. Chandrakant Kulkarni
# Yeshwantrao Chavan – Katha Eka Vadalachi (2014) Dir. Jabbar Patel
# Deul Band (2015) Dir. Praveen Tarade
# Welcome Zindagi (2015) Dir. Umesh Ghadge
# High Way (2015) Dir: Umesh Kulkarni
# Rajwade and Sons as Rajwade (2015) Dir. Sachin Kundalkar
# Jaudyana Balasaheb! (2015) Dir. Girish Kulkarni (Released in October 2016 through Zee Cinema)
# [[Ventilator (2016 film)|Ventilator]] (2016) Movie as Bhau, Dir. Rajesh Mapuskar, Produced by Priyanka Chopra, World Premier on 23 Oct 2016 during MAMI Festival in Mumbai (National Awardee Film)
# Chi. Va. Chi. Sou. Ka (2017) as Bhudargadkar, Dir. [[Paresh Mokashi]], Produced by Zee Cinema (released on 19 May 2017)
# Mala Kahich Problem Naahi as Father (2017) Dir. Sameer Vidhwans, Produced by Filmy Keeda Entertainment, Mumbai (released on 11 August 2017)
# Mee Shivaji Park (2017) as Satish Joshi, Dir. Mahesh Waman Manjrekar, Produced by Gouri Films, Pune (Released on 18 October 2018)
# Thackeray (2018) Biopic film on Balasaheb Thackeray (Hindi/Marathi) as Jayprakash Narayan, Dir Abhijit Panse, Produced by Raut'Ters Entertainment  (released on 23 Jan 2019)
# Bhai: Vyakti ki Valli Part I (2018) a Biopic (made in two parts) on Pu La Deshpande as Ramakant Deshpande Dir Mahesh Manjrekar Produced by The Great Maratha Entertainment (released on 4 Jan 2019)
# Bhai: Vyakti ki Valli Part II (2018) a Biopic on Pu La Deshpande as Ramakant Deshpande Dir Mahesh Manjrekar Produced by The Great Maratha Entertainment (Released on 8 Feb 2019)
# '''Smile Please''' (2019) as Appa Joshi (father), Directed by Vikrum Phadnis Produced by Nisha Shah and Sanika Gandhi.( released on 19 July 2019) streaming on Prime Video
# " '''Panchak''' " 2019) as Bal Kaka. Directed by '''Jayant Jathar''', Produced by RnM Films '''(by Shriram Nene and Madhuri Dixit)''' to be leased soon.
# Pet-Puran (2021) as Lt. Col. Jarasandh Wagh(Retd) Web Series for Sony Liv Directed by Dyanesh Zoting (Season I, released on SonyLIV - May 6, 2022)
# Ek Don Teen Char - एक दोन तीन चार (2022) as Dr. Vivek Joshi Marathi film by Varun Narvekar, Produced by Jio Studios (in making)
# The Syringe Killers(2022)Web Series as Shriram Bidari, Kanha Production, Directed by Bhimrao Mude(in making)


==Acting in TV commercials and Short Films==
* 1971: as young man in short play ''Ek Zulta Poolv'', directed by himself
* 1974: as the son "Nana" in play ''Mahanirvanvm'' directed by himself for Theatre Academy, Pune in more than 100 shows
* 1979: as Javadekar in play ''Begum Barve'', directed by himself for Theatre Academy, Pune
* 1982: short play ''Boat Futli'', directed by Samar Nakhate for Theatre Academy, Pune
* 1980: as husband in ''Shanwar Raviwar'', directed by himself for Theatre Academy, Pune
===TV and short films===


Products:
Products:
#TV Cable Co.: Tata Sky (2010)
* TV Cable Co.: Tata Sky (2010)
#Car: Honda Ameze (2013)for Appostophe, Mumbai
* Car: Honda Ameze (2013) for Appostophe, Mumbai
#Cell Phone Company:Idea -Telephone Exchange (2013) for Chrome Pictures, Mumbai
* Cell Phone Company: Idea - Telephone Exchange (2013) for Chrome Pictures, Mumbai
#  New York Life Insurance (2012)
* New York Life Insurance (2012)
#Online Purchase : SNAPDEAL (2016) for Chrome Pictures,Mumbai
* Online Purchase: SNAPDEAL (2016) for Chrome Pictures, Mumbai
# Fiama Di Willis Body Wash (2018) for Apostrophe Films, Mumbai Dir Kaushik Sarkar Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WZyvU0n68k
* Fiama Di Willis Body Wash (2018) for Apostrophe Films, Mumbai, dir. Kaushik Sarkar
# Reunion Episode 3 Language: Marathi   (2018) Pickle Brand Presented by Ravetkar Group, Pune Dir Varun Narvekar (short Film) Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5uzHiMeMAc
* Reunion Episode 3 Language: Marathi (2018), pickle brand presented by Ravetkar Group, Pune Dir Varun Narvekar (short film)
# maateech swapna मातीचं स्वप्न (2018) a short film in Marathi for Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale (चितळे बंधू), Produced by Multimedia Tools,Pune Directed by Varun Narvekar
* maateech swapna मातीचं स्वप्न (2018), short film in Marathi for Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale (चितळे बंधू), produced by Multimedia Tools, Pune, dir. Varun Narvekar
# Reunion for Ravetkar Group (2018) : A three minutes short film made about the awareness for early treatment in Brain Stroke made by Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5uzHiMeMAc&t=25s
* Reunion for Ravetkar Group (2018): three minute short film made about the awareness for early treatment of brain stroke made by Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune
# रुची पालट/Fusion Food/ Chitale Bandhoo (2019): for Chitale Bandhoo, Pune Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vnnp5zq0zY
* रुची पालट/Fusion Food/ Chitale Bandhoo (2019): for Chitale Bandhoo, Pune
#  Cotten King Brand- Just Strech Your Limits (2020) Directed by Varun Narvekar Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqJirxo_0MQ
* Cotten King Brand- Just Strech Your Limits (2020), dir. Varun Narvekar
# Red Label Tea (2021) Ad film for Hindustan Unilever directed by Gajraj Rao for Code Red Films, Mumbai
* Red Label Tea (2021) ad film for Hindustan Unilever, dir. Gajraj Rao for Code Red Films, Mumbai
# Short Film ‘Fala (फळा - तिमिरातून तेजाकडे 2021), Produced by Kc Productions, Dir. Mangesh Jagtap
* Short film "Fala" (फळा - तिमिरातून तेजाकडे 2021), produced by Kc Productions, dir. Mangesh Jagtap
* Short film "Ravivar Sakal" - 2024 (रविवार सकाळ) 30 minutes, Aadi Nirrmite, dir. Bansidhar Kinkar, cast - Satish Alekar, Gauri Deshpande and Aroh Velankar
* Short film "Dada aani Sakharam" 2024 (दादा आणि सखाराम), dir. Yogesh Deshpande, produced by Roadlife
* Chaha, Bakarwadi aani To चहा, बाकरवडी आणि तो (2024), Chitale Bandhu brand film, dir. Varun Narvekar


==References==
==References==
Line 239: Line 212:
* {{cite book|last= Rubin|first=Don|title=The World encyclopedia of contemporary theatre (Vol. 3)|publisher=Taylor & Francis|year=2004|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=maGU4ziPQJQC&q=Satish+Alekar&pg=PA156|isbn=0-415-26087-6|ref=Ru}}
* {{cite book|last= Rubin|first=Don|title=The World encyclopedia of contemporary theatre (Vol. 3)|publisher=Taylor & Francis|year=2004|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=maGU4ziPQJQC&q=Satish+Alekar&pg=PA156|isbn=0-415-26087-6|ref=Ru}}
* {{cite book|last=Kasbekar|first=Asha|title=Pop culture India!: media, arts, and lifestyle|publisher=ABC-CLIO|year=2006|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Sv7Uk0UcdM8C&q=Satish+Alekar&pg=PA58|isbn=1-85109-636-1|ref=Ka}}
* {{cite book|last=Kasbekar|first=Asha|title=Pop culture India!: media, arts, and lifestyle|publisher=ABC-CLIO|year=2006|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Sv7Uk0UcdM8C&q=Satish+Alekar&pg=PA58|isbn=1-85109-636-1|ref=Ka}}
* ''Collected Plays of Satish Alekar''. OUP, Delhi 2009, {{ISBN|978-0-19-806023-9}}\
* ''Collected Plays of Satish Alekar''. OUP, Delhi 2009, {{ISBN|978-0-19-806023-9}}\
* "Mahanirvan: Sameeksha aani Sansmarne" (A volume of critique in Marathi on the play, Edited by Dr. Rekha Inmadar-Sane published by M/s Rajhans Prakashan, Pune,I Edition Dec 1999, II Edition March 2008, {{ISBN|81-7434-165-X}}, Pages: 254, Price Rs.250/-)
* "Mahanirvan: Sameeksha aani Sansmarne" (a volume of critiques in Marathi on the play, edited by Dr. Rekha Inmadar-Sane published by M/s Rajhans Prakashan, Pune, I Edition Dec 1999, II Edition March 2008, {{ISBN|81-7434-165-X}}, Pages: 254, Price Rs.250/-)
*"Begum Barve Vishayee" (About the play Begum Barve) Edited by Dr. Rekha Inamdar-Sane published in June 2010 {{ISBN|978-81-7434-501-1}} by M/s Rajhans Prakashan, Pune, Pages 169, Price: Rs. 200/- The book has nine articles analysing the text and the performance written by well-known theatre scholars.
*"Begum Barve Vishayee" (about the play Begum Barve) Edited by Dr. Rekha Inamdar-Sane published in June 2010 {{ISBN|978-81-7434-501-1}} by M/s Rajhans Prakashan, Pune, Pages 169, Price: Rs. 200/- The book has nine articles analysing the text and the performance written by well-known theatre scholars.
* Link to the Short Film Reunion Episode 3 (2018) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5uzHiMeMAc


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://satishalekar.com/ Satish Alekar website]
* [http://satishalekar.com/ Satish Alekar website]
* [http://www.littlemag.com/looking/satishalekar.html Memory by Satish Alekar] at ''Little magazine''
* [http://www.littlemag.com/looking/satishalekar.html Memory by Satish Alekar] at ''Little magazine''
* Documentary film on Satish Alekar directed by Atul Pethe (2008,90 mints)
* ''The dread departure'' (Mahanirvan), tr. by Gauri Deshpande. Seagull Books, 1989. {{ISBN|81-7046-059-X}}.
* Book Review of Gaganika by Shanta Gokhale for Pune Mirror 1 June 2017
* {{cite book|title=Begum Barve|translator=[[Shanta Gokhale]]|publisher=Seagull Books|year=2003|isbn=81-7046-208-8|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/begumbarve0000alek}}
* [http://punemirror.indiatimes.com/columns/columnists/shanta-gokhale/look-back-in-humour/articleshow/58931081.cms Look back in humour]
* ''Collected Plays of Satish Alekar''. OUP, Delhi 2010, {{ISBN|978-0-19-806023-9}}
* ''Two Plays by Satish Alekar'' (''The Grant Exit'' - a new translation of Marathi play ''Mahanirvan'' of 1974 and ''A Conversion with Dolly'' - translation of a new Marathi play, ''Thakishi Samvad'' of 2023); both translations by Shanta Gokhale, published by Seagull Books, Kolkata (2023)
* [http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/LiteratureEnglish/Drama/?view=usa&ci=9780198060239 ''Collected Plays of Satish Alekar'']


{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Art}}
{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Art}}
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[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian male stage actors]]
[[Category:Indian male stage actors]]
[[Category:Savitribai Phule Pune University faculty]]
[[Category:Academic staff of Savitribai Phule Pune University]]
[[Category:Asian Cultural Council grantees]]
[[Category:Asian Cultural Council grantees]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]]

Latest revision as of 23:30, 14 March 2026


Satish Alekar
Alekar at IUCAA canteen 'Ballava' in Pune, India
Born (1949-01-30) 30 January 1949 (age 77)
Delhi, India
OccupationPlaywright, stage actor, director, teacher
Years active1971–present
Known forJait Re Jait
AwardsSangeet Natak Academy
HonoursPadma Shri (2012)

Satish Vasant Alekar (born 30 January 1949[1]) is a Marathi playwright, actor, theatre director and professor. A founder member of the Theatre Academy of Pune, and most known for his plays Mahanirvan (1974), Mahapoor (1975), Atirekee (1990), Pidhijat (2003), Mickey ani Memsahib (1973), and Begum Barve (1979), all of which he also directed for the Academy. Ek Divas Mathakade (2012) and Thakishi Samvad (2024) these two recent plays were directed by Nipun Dharmadhikari and Anupam Barve respectively. Along with Mahesh Elkunchwar and Vijay Tendulkar, he is considered among the most influential and progressive playwrights in modern Marathi and Indian theatre.[2][3][4]

He has also remained the head of Centre for Performing Arts, University of Pune (1996–2009), which he founded, after forgoing the Directorship of NSD[5] and previously remained an adjunct professor at various universities in US, at the Duke University, Durhum, NC (1994), Performance Studies, Tisch School of the Arts, New York University as a Fulbright Scholar (2003),[6][7] and Dept. Theatre and Film Studies, University of Georgia, Athens, GA (2005).

He was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in Playwriting (Marathi) in 1994, by Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama. He received the Padma Shri award in January 2012.[8] After his retirement Satish Alekar was nominated by Savitribai Phule Pune University as Distinguished Professor on the campus from 2013 to September 2022. He is still on the visiting faculty of the Pune University and the National School of Drama in Delhi. Recently he is also known for his screen acting in Marathi and Hindi feature films. He is seen in the character roles of films like Ventilator (2016).

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Alekar was born in Delhi, India. He but grew up in Pune, Maharashtra in a Marathi Brahmin family. He attended the Marathi medium school New English School, Ramanbag which was established by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. After high school, he attended Fergusson College for his undergraduate Bsc degree in sciences. He received his master's degree in biochemistry from University of Pune in 1972.[citation needed]

Career[edit | edit source]

Theatre[edit | edit source]

Alekar gained his first stage experience as an actor in a college play. Impressed by his performance, director Bhalba Kelkar, who had set up the Progressive Dramatic Association, invited him to join it. Alekar wrote and directed his first one-act play Jhulta Pool in 1969. He became a part of a young circle that Jabbar Patel had started within the Progressive Dramatic Association.[citation needed]

This group split with the parent body in 1973 and set up Theater Academy in Pune. The split was over Vijay Tendulkar's play Ghashiram Kotwal. The senior members decided against its premiere in 1972, and Patel's group decided to produce it under the auspices of its own Theater Academy. Alekar assisted Patel in the direction of Ghashiram Kotwal, and the group has since mounted over 35 plays by him and manage to establish its foothold in experimental Marathi theatre.[9]

Alekar conceived of and implemented Playwrights Development Scheme and Regional Theater Group Development. The Ford Foundation for Theater Academy, Pune supported these programs from 1985 to 1994.

Alekar has collaborated in several international play translation projects. The Tisch School of Arts at New York University invited him in 2003 to teach a course on Indian Theatre. The Department of Theater and Films Studies, University of Georgia invited him in 2005 to direct an English production of his play Begum Barve.

The Holy Cow Performing Arts Group in Edinburgh, Scotland performed an English version of Alekar's Micky and Memsahib on 27 and 28 August 2009 at Riddle's Court at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.[10]

Other employment[edit | edit source]

After obtaining his master's degree, Alekar worked as a research officer in biochemistry at the government-run B. J. Medical College, Pune.

From July 1996 to January 2009, he worked as a professor and the head of the Center for Performing Arts (Lalit Kala Kendra) at University of Pune. He was working as the honorary director for a program supported by Ratan Tata Trust at the University of Pune from 2009 to 2011. From 2013 to 2022 he was nominated by University of Pune as distinguished professor on the campus.

Plays[edit | edit source]

Original Marathi plays written since 1973[edit | edit source]

  • Micki Aani Memsaheb मिकी आणि मेमसाहेब (1973)*
  • Mahanirvan महानिर्वाण (1974)*
  • Mahapoor महापूर (1975)
  • Begum Barve बेगम बर्वे (1979)*
  • Shanwar Raviwar शनवार रविवार (1982)*
  • Dusra Samana दुसरा सामना (1987)
  • Atireki अतिरेकी (1990)*
  • Pidhijat पिढीजात (2003)*
  • Ek Divas Mathakade एक दिवस मठाकडे (2012)
  • Thakishi Sanvad ठकीशी संवाद (2020), written during COVID-19 lockdown (March–July 2020),produced by Rakhdi Studio, Pune in 2024.
  • Mahapoor (1975), dir. Mohan Gokhale for Theatre Academy, Pune
  • Dusra Samna (1987), dir. Waman Kendre for Kala Vaibhav, Mumbai
  • Ek Divas Mathakade (2012), dir. Nipun Dharmadhikari for Natak Company, Pune

* Plays directed by Alekar for Theatre Academy, Pune

Original Marathi one-act plays[edit | edit source]
  • Memory मेमरी (1969)
  • Bhajan भजन (1969)
  • Ek Zulta Pool एक झुलता पूल (1971)
  • Dar Koni Ughadat Naahi दर कोणी उघडत नाही (1979)
  • Bus Stop बस स्टॅाप (1980)
Adapted/translated one-act plays and plays[edit | edit source]
  • Judge जज्ज (1968)
  • Yamuche Rahasya यमुचे रहस्य (1976)
  • Bhint भिंत (1980)
  • Valan वळण (1980)
  • Pralay प्रलय (1985), Marathi version of Gunther Grass's German play The Flood
  • Alshi Uttarvalyachi Gosht आळशी अत्तरवाल्याची गोष्ट (1999)
  • Nashibvan Baiche Don नशीबवान बाईचे दोन (1999)
  • Supari सुपारी (2002)
  • Karmaachari कर्मचारी (2009)

Alekar started writing at the age of 19 as a chemistry graduation, though most of his early works were short plays.[11] Many of his plays are set around Pune Brahmin society, highlighting their narrow mindedness and subsequently he ventured into small-town politics with Doosra Samna (1989).[12] Mahanirvan (1973) (The Dread Departure) finds black humour through Hindu death rites in Brahmins and its overt seriousness is today Alekar's best-known early work and has since been performed in Bengali, Hindi, Dongri, Konkani and Gujarati.[13] It was originally a one-act play and he had later expanded it at Patel's insistence. It was first staged on 22 November 1974 at the Bharat Natya Mandir, by the Theatre Academy, Pune and was revived in 1999 for its 25th anniversary, and was performed at the same venue, with most of the original cast intact.[14]

Mickey Ani Memsaheb (1974) was his first full-length script. With the exception of his Mahapoor (1975), he directed all of his own plays. Alekar's Begum Barve (1979) is regarded as a classic of contemporary Marathi theatre.[15] It deals with the eponymous female impersonator's memories and fantasies. After his musical company closed down, a minor singer-actor starts selling incense sticks on the street and gets exploited by his employer. One day his fantasies get enmeshed with those of a pair of clerks who were his regular customers, and those fantasies get almost fulfilled. The play staged in Rajasthani, Punjabi, Gujarati, Bengali, Konkani, Tamil and Kannada.[2] In 2009, 30 years after its first production, the play returned to Mumbai with its original cast of Chandrakant Kale, and Mohan Aghashe.[16]

Alekar's other plays are Bhajan, Bhinta, Walan, Shanivar-Ravivar (1982), Dusra Samna (1987), and Atireki (1990). The first three are one-act plays. Atireki is marked by irony, wit, and tangential take-offs from absurd premises. In January 2011 a book of short plays translated/adapted into Marathi by Satish Alekar published by M/s Neelkanth Prakashan, Pune under the title "Adharit Ekankika".

In 2022, all of Alekar's plays, including short plays in Marathi, were published as a new edition by the Popular Prakashan, Mumbai.

Acting reading performance[edit | edit source]

Aparichit Pu La (अपरिचित पु.लं.) (2018) was a 90 minute acting reading programme on the lesser-known writings of the writer, performer P. L. Deshpande पु.ल.देशपांडे (1919–2000) produced by Shabda Vedh, Pune (शब्द वेध,पुणे) to mark the birth centenary of the writer, and conceived by Chandrakant Kale. The cast included Satish Alekar, Chandrakant Kale and Girish Kulkarni. The first show was performed in Pulotsav on 22 November 2018 at Balgamdharva Ranga Mandir, Pune. Performances were also staged in Pune, Solapur, Ratnagiri and Mumbai.

Film scripts[edit | edit source]

Alekar scripted the National Film Award, winning Marathi feature film Jait Re Jait in 1977, directed by Jabbar Patel. Later he directed the 13-part Hindi TV serial Dekho Magar Pyarse for Doordarshan in 1985. He scripted the dialogues for the Marathi feature film Katha Don Ganpatravanchi in 1995–96.

Writing for Marathi newspaper[edit | edit source]

Alekar wrote a fortnightly column in Marathi for the Sunday edition of Loksatta Gaganika from January to December 2015. The column was based on his career in the performing Arts since 1965. The column was popular, and the book Gaganika, based on the column, was published on 30 April 2017 by M/s Rajahans Prakashan, Pune.

Awards and recognition[edit | edit source]

Some of Alekar's plays have been translated and produced in Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Dogri, Gujarati, Rajasthani, Punjabi, and Konkani. His plays have been included in the National Anthologies published in 2000–01 by the National School of Drama and Sahitya Akademi, Delhi.

Alekar is the recipient of several national and state awards for his contribution to the field of Theater and Literature.

  • In 1974 his collection of short plays Zulta Pool (झुलता पूल) received best collection of short plays award from Ministry of Culture, Govt. of Maharashtra.
  • In 1975 he received Late Ram Ganesh Gadkari award from the State of Maharashtra for his play Mahanirvan (महानिर्वाण).
  • He received Nandikar Sanman at Kolkata in 1992.
  • He received fellowships from the Asian Cultural Council, New York in 1983 to study theatre in the US, and from the Ford Foundation to study Theatre of South Asia in 1988.
  • He received in 1994 a Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for playwriting from Sangeet Natak Akademi, Delhi (संगीत नाटक अकादमी, दिल्ली).
  • Received State Award Best Actor in Comedy Role for the Marathi film Katha Don Ganpatravanchi (कथा दोन गणपतरावांची), dir. Arun Khopkar (1997)
  • Received Vi Va Shirwadkar award (Poet Kusumagraj) for playwriting by Natya Parishad, Nasik in 2007
  • Received Lifetime Achievement felicitation (जीवन गौरव) by Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Natya Parishad, Mumbai in Feb 2012
  • He received the award Padma Shri (पद्मश्री) conferred by the President of India in January 2012.[8]
  • In December 2013 Alekar received the Balaraj Sahani Memorial Award (बलराज सहानी स्मृती पुरस्कार) in Pune for his contribution over last 40 years as a playwright, director and actor.
  • In 2014 he was awarded Poet and Playwright Aarati Prabhu Award (कवि आरती प्रभू) by Baba Vardam Theatres, Kudal, Sindhudurg district.
  • 2017 Tanveer Sanman (तन्वीर सन्मान) national award for the lifetime contribution to the field of Theatre constituted by veteran actor Dr. Shriram Lagoo through Rupavedh Pratisthan, Pune. Award function was held in Pune on 9 December 2017.
  • 2018 book Gaganika (गगनिका) received Advt Tryambakrao Shirole award for best non fiction (उत्कृष्ट ललित गद्य) by Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, Pune
  • 2022 Natavarya Prabhakar Panshikar Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar for the year 2021-22 by the Government of Maharashtra highest Cultural Life Achievement Award.
  • 2022 Vishnudas Bhave Medal award by Natyavidyamandir Samitee, Sangli
  • 2023 Thespo Life Achievement Award at the hands of Utkarsh Mujumdar in the presence of Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah and Atul Kuma during Thespo@25 Theatre Fest in Mumbai on December 10, 2023[17]
  • 2024 Kantai Jeevan Gourav Award (Life Achievement Award) for 2023 by Bhavarlal Jain Foundation, Jalgaon at a ceremony held on January 16, 2024 in Jalgaon
  • 2024 Bhavanrao Lomte Smruti Rajya Puraskar 2024, Ambajogai at a function held in Ambejogai by Yeshvantrao Chavan Smruti Samiti, Ambejogai on September 21
  • 2025 Janasthan Puraskar by Kusumagraj Pratisthan, Nashik at a function in Nashik on March 10, 2025.
  • 2025 Pune Festival Award for the contribution to theatre in September.
  • 2025 The Goa Hindu Association - Dr Subhash Bhede supported Late Shashikant Narvekar award for best play of the year “Thakishi Samvad”.

Natakkar Satish Alekar (Playwright Satish Alekar), a 90-minute film by Atul Pethe about Alekar's life, and work was released in 2008.[18]


Personal life[edit | edit source]

Alekar belongs to City of Pune. His parents, the late Usha and Vasant Alekar were freedom fighters, both involved in India's 1942 movement.

Alekar married Anita (Abhyankar) in 1976. They have a son. Anita died in 2007. He has one younger brother Sudhir and one sister Bharati. Presently he is living in Pune with his son.

Filmography[edit | edit source]

Hindi films[edit | edit source]

  • Ye Kahani Nahi (1984), dir. Biplav Rai Chowdhary
  • Devi Ahilya (2002), dir. Nachiket Patwardhan
  • Dumkata (2007)
  • Aiyyaa (2012)
  • Dekh Tamasha Desk (2014), dir. Feroz Abbas Khan
  • Thackeray, (2019) as Jayprakash Narayan
  • 83 (2021), as S. K. Wankhede
  • The Suspect (2022) as Dayanand Bharadvaj, Police Commissioner, dir. Samir Karnik, Maverick Pictures, Mumbai

Marathi films/web series[edit | edit source]

plays[edit | edit source]

  • 1971: as young man in short play Ek Zulta Poolv, directed by himself
  • 1974: as the son "Nana" in play Mahanirvanvm directed by himself for Theatre Academy, Pune in more than 100 shows
  • 1979: as Javadekar in play Begum Barve, directed by himself for Theatre Academy, Pune
  • 1982: short play Boat Futli, directed by Samar Nakhate for Theatre Academy, Pune
  • 1980: as husband in Shanwar Raviwar, directed by himself for Theatre Academy, Pune

TV and short films[edit | edit source]

Products:

  • TV Cable Co.: Tata Sky (2010)
  • Car: Honda Ameze (2013) for Appostophe, Mumbai
  • Cell Phone Company: Idea - Telephone Exchange (2013) for Chrome Pictures, Mumbai
  • New York Life Insurance (2012)
  • Online Purchase: SNAPDEAL (2016) for Chrome Pictures, Mumbai
  • Fiama Di Willis Body Wash (2018) for Apostrophe Films, Mumbai, dir. Kaushik Sarkar
  • Reunion Episode 3 Language: Marathi (2018), pickle brand presented by Ravetkar Group, Pune Dir Varun Narvekar (short film)
  • maateech swapna मातीचं स्वप्न (2018), short film in Marathi for Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale (चितळे बंधू), produced by Multimedia Tools, Pune, dir. Varun Narvekar
  • Reunion for Ravetkar Group (2018): three minute short film made about the awareness for early treatment of brain stroke made by Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune
  • रुची पालट/Fusion Food/ Chitale Bandhoo (2019): for Chitale Bandhoo, Pune
  • Cotten King Brand- Just Strech Your Limits (2020), dir. Varun Narvekar
  • Red Label Tea (2021) ad film for Hindustan Unilever, dir. Gajraj Rao for Code Red Films, Mumbai
  • Short film "Fala" (फळा - तिमिरातून तेजाकडे 2021), produced by Kc Productions, dir. Mangesh Jagtap
  • Short film "Ravivar Sakal" - 2024 (रविवार सकाळ) 30 minutes, Aadi Nirrmite, dir. Bansidhar Kinkar, cast - Satish Alekar, Gauri Deshpande and Aroh Velankar
  • Short film "Dada aani Sakharam" 2024 (दादा आणि सखाराम), dir. Yogesh Deshpande, produced by Roadlife
  • Chaha, Bakarwadi aani To चहा, बाकरवडी आणि तो (2024), Chitale Bandhu brand film, dir. Varun Narvekar

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Kartik Chandra Dutt: Who's who of Indian Writers, 1999: A-M
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Fringe takes centre stage: The importance of being Mahesh Elkunchwar and Satish Alekar in Marathi theatre". Mint. 6 February 2009. Retrieved 3 April 2010.
  3. ↑ Dharwadker, p. 413
  4. ↑ Rubin, p. 156
  5. ↑ Yarrow, p. 168
  6. ↑ Kashyap, Siddhartha D. (8 February 2005). "Playwright Satish Alekar wins UoP award". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 11 August 2011. Retrieved 3 April 2010.
  7. ↑ "On Fulbright in Freezing New York of Spring 2003", USIEF, 6 February 2010. Retrieved on 16 January 2015.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Padma Awards". pib. 27 January 2013. Retrieved 27 January 2013.
  9. ↑ Yarrow, p. 163
  10. ↑ "Alekar's play to be staged at Edinburgh". The Times of India. 17 July 2009. Archived from the original on 11 August 2011. Retrieved 3 April 2010.
  11. ↑ "Writing performance: "I write a performance, not a play. That is my strength and also my limitation," says Satish Alekar". The Hindu. 6 August 2003. Archived from the original on 29 August 2003. Retrieved 3 April 2010.
  12. ↑ Kasbekar, p. 58
  13. ↑ "Satish Alekar revisited". Indian Express. 3 December 1999. Retrieved 3 April 2010.
  14. ↑ "A fitting encore". Indian Express. 19 November 1999. Retrieved 3 April 2010.
  15. ↑ "Begum Barve: Embodiment of subversive fantasy", Intellect Ltd., April 2013.
  16. ↑ "Dream Run". Indian Express. 16 January 2009. Retrieved 3 April 2010.
  17. ↑ "- YouTube". YouTube.
  18. ↑ "Foot prints". Indian Express. 3 October 2008. Retrieved 3 April 2010.

External links[edit | edit source]

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