Veteran Marathi writer Ratnakar Matkari no more, had tested COVID-19 positive

Veteran Marathi writer and playwright Ratnakar Matkari is no more.

He died at a hospital in suburban Marol, Mumbai late Sunday night. A BMC official revealed that he had tested coronavirus positive last week.

The 81-year-old veteran was considered a pioneer of the children's drama movement in Marathi. Hi work in story books for kids to plays in Marathi literature was considered phenomenal.

In his condolence message, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said, "We have lost a precious gem from the world of literature. He wrote for children and for grown-ups as well. His immense contribution in various forms such as plays, short stories, novel has enriched the world of Marathi literature."

Taking to Twitter, the Governor of Maharashtra expressed grief over the passing away of Ratnakar Matkari. "Ratnakar Matkari belonged to the luminous galaxy of writers who enriched the field of literature and culture with his prolific writings, one act plays, children’s literature, direction and acting. His demise is a great loss to the field of literature and theatre in Maharashtra," he posted.

Tributes started pouring in from Bollywood and Marathi film industry soon after the news came out: