During this period, he participated in the activities of Nabajiban Sanghatana, a splinter communist group. Writing then became his outlet, though most of his early writings were of a personal nature, and not intended for publication. The latter alienated him from his family and friends. Īt age 14, he participated in the 1942 Indian freedom movement, leaving his studies. At age eleven, he wrote, directed, and acted in his first play. He grew up watching western plays and felt inspired to write plays himself. The literary environment at home prompted young Vijay to take up writing. Vijay Dhondopant Tendulkar was born on 6 January 1928 in Girgaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra, where his father held a clerical job and ran a small publishing business. For over five decades Tendulkar had been a highly influential dramatist and theatre personality in Mahārāshtra.
He has provided guidance to students studying 'play writing' in US universities. Many of Tendulkar's plays derived inspiration from real-life incidents or social upheavals, which provides clear light on harsh realities. He is best known for his plays Shantata! Court Chalu Aahe (1967), Ghāshirām Kotwāl (1972), and Sakhārām Binder (1972). Vijay Dhondopant Tendulkar (6 January 1928 – ) was a leading Indian playwright, movie and television writer, literary essayist, political journalist, and social commentator primarily in Marāthi. National Film Award for Best Screenplay: Manthan, 1977
