Modern Indian Playwrights

Theatre has had its roots deep in our Indian society from an early age. Indian theatre has transformed over the years, growing, changing, and turning into something great due to the constant and rigorous dedication and experimentation of various artists over the ages. Theatre as an art form has the power to change the world, to show the world the harsh reality of truth, it is the tool that is used to focus and cure out the crucial problems we have had developed in our society, and instead it had been away from the fame and money that has engulfed the morals and ethics of this society, but not theatre. There have been many people behind the development of theatre as we see it today. Here's a list of some of the most popular Indian playwrights that are worth reading.

1)Badal Sarkar (1925-2011)

Badal Sircar also is known as Badal Sarkar is one of the most influential and renowned theatre dramatist and director from Bengal, to this date, he is the man responsible for modern age Indian playwrighting in Bengali. He is well known for his anti-establishment plays during Naxalite movement of Bengal in the 1970s. He is also known for his works in contemporary and experimental theatre as well as street theatre.

Reader Recommendation

·Ebang Indrajit

·Pagla Ghoda

·Baki Itihaash

2)Vijay Tendulkar (1928-2008)

Vijay Tendulkar a pioneer figure and leading Indian playwright, social commentator and political journalist in Marathi. Tendulkar's plays delivered a robust socio-political message that was derived from the harsh and actual realities of life. He has been one of the most influential and respected theatre personalities of Maharashtra for more than five decades.

Reader Recommendation

·Sakharam Binder

·Ghasiram Kotwal

·Shantata! Court Chalu Aahe

3)Girish Karnad (1938-2019)

Girish Karnad a well-known figure in modern theatre, playwright, Indian actor, screenwriter, and movie director who rose to fame in the late 1960s. His writing styles included mythological and historical touch with harsh socio-political realities of the modern world. Karnad wrote primarily in Kannada, but his works have been translated in many languages. He received Jnanpith award in 1998 the highest literary honor for his contribution to Indian literature.

Reader Recommendation

·The Dreams of Tipu Sultan

·Tughlaq

·Wedding Album

4)Habib Tanvir (1923-2009)

Habib Tanvir one of the most renowned and cherished Indian contemporary playwrights, theatre director, and a great poet and actor.He enjoyed folk theatre and is prominently known for works with Chhattisgarhi tribes. He was honored with both Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan for his actions in 1983 and 2002.

Reader Recommendation

·Charandas Chor

·Agra Bazaar

·Pachrangi

5)Mohan Rakesh (1925-1972)

Mohan Rakesh was one of the essential personalities in shaping up the modern Indian theatre and a key figure in "Nai Kahani" literary movement in the 1950s. He wrote the first recent Indian play "Ashadh ka Ek din” in 1958. In 1968 he was awarded Sangeet Natak Akademie Award.

Reader Recommendation

·Aadhe Adhure

·Lehron ke Rajhans

·Pairon Taale Zameen