Meet the unsung protagonist of Marathi literature

Geetanjali Joshi’s tome portrays the untold stories from the life of Kamala Phadke, well known Marathi writer N S Phadke and his first wife Manorama Phadke

For Geetanjali Joshi, daughter of noted Marathi writer Narayan Sitaram Phadke, aka NaSi, penning thoughts down was scripted into her destiny. After basking in the success of her first book, Shat Taraka (A Hundred Stars), published a year ago, she is now launched her second book Kamala which explores the life of Kamala Phadke, whose literary contributions have long faded with time. The book is a tribute to her mother and highlights the turmoil she faced in life as well as her contribution to Marathi literature, which was overshadowed by the legendary work of her father.

Kamala, was a student of NaSi Phadke. Their 22-year age gap and the fact that he was married did not stop them from taking the path less travelled. The book brings out this complex triangle of love and war between Kamala, Nasi and Manorama Phadke. “Many know Na.Si., but not too many know Kamala Phadke, his better half, a talented, strong lady who dared to go against the tide and emerge victorious. I felt that her contribution to Marathi literature was significant and I wanted the world to know this. It took me a year and a half to collate and compile all facts before I could write this book,” says Geetanjali.

She is a Marathi author and poetess with a strong inclination towards theatre. She has been a part of Sai Paranjpe’s children’s theatre group called Progressive Dramatic Association and has also been a part of plays like Tu Veda Kumbhar, Sati by Venkatesh Madgulkar and Sharada by GD Deval for which she won the State Award for Best Actress.

Through the book, she attempts to narrate the story of purity and sanctity of their relations in an era where such things were a taboo.

“The separation from the first wife and his second marriage scandalised the conservative Marathi society in those days and caused a lot of adverse comments. The book also spans the life of Kamala Phadke from 1916–1980, highlighting her literary work and her strong bond with her sister, eminent poetess Indira Sant,” she adds.

zainab.kantawala@goldensparrow.com

Originally published on The Golden Sparrow