Vijay Dhondopant Tendulkar was born on January 6, 1928, in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. He completed his education in Mumbai, where he developed an interest in literature and the performing arts.

Vijay Tendulkar began his literary career as a journalist but soon found his calling as a playwright. He made his mark with powerful and socially relevant plays that often critiqued the prevailing norms and injustices in society.

1. Shrimant (1955): A play that delves into the conflicts within a joint family, addressing issues of power, control, and societal expectations.

  

2. Gidhade (The Vultures, 1961): This play, considered one of his masterpieces, explores the exploitation of women in a patriarchal society and the impact of societal norms on individual lives.

3. Sakharam Binder (1972): Tendulkar’s controversial play that revolves around a man who rejects societal norms of marriage and relationships, exploring themes of power and control.

4. Kamala (1981): A play that addresses the issue of child prostitution, shedding light on the exploitation of young girls.

Apart from his success in the world of theatre, Tendulkar was a prolific screenwriter. He wrote scripts for both television and films. His screenplay for the film “Aakrosh” (1980), directed by Govind Nihalani, earned him the National Film Award for Best Screenplay.

Vijay Tendulkar was not only a playwright and screenwriter but also an active social commentator and human rights advocate. His works often reflected his concerns about societal issues, and he used his platform to bring attention to injustice and inequality.

Vijay Tendulkar received numerous awards for his contributions to literature and the arts, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the Padma Bhushan, and the Sahitya Akademi Award.

Vijay Tendulkar continued his literary and social activities until his death on May 19, 2008, in Pune, Maharashtra, India. His legacy lives on through his impactful writings, which remain relevant in discussions about social issues and human rights.