Shirish Kanekar, a distinguished figure in Marathi literature and journalism, passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra, at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of profound writings and insights. Born on June 6, 1943, in Pune, Maharashtra, he embarked on a remarkable journey that spanned several decades and enriched both Marathi and English language publications.
Kanekar’s journey began as he ventured into the field of journalism, working with esteemed English news publications like Indian Express, Daily, Free Press Journal, and Syndicated Press News Agency. However, his love for the Marathi language drew him to contribute his literary talents to newspapers like Loksatta, Maharashtra Times, Lokmat, Saamna, Pudaari, Weekly Manohar, and Weekly Lokprabha, where his columns on Cinema, Cricket, and Politics found an eager audience.
Beyond his journalistic endeavors, Shirish Kanekar showcased his creative flair through various literary works. Renowned for his humorous articles, he crafted engaging pieces like ‘Kanekari,’ ‘Fillambaji,’ and ‘Shirishasan,’ which left readers chuckling and pondering simultaneously. Notably, he also made significant contributions to the world of Bollywood, lending his screenwriting prowess to movies like “Nut Bolt Bolpat,” “Kanekari,” and “Cricket Vedh.”
His literary accomplishments extended to the realm of books, where his works like ‘Irsalaki’ and ‘Surparambya’ stood as testaments to his storytelling abilities. Among his notable achievements was the Maharashtra Literary Parishad Award for Best Comedy, the Joshi Award, which honored his collection of stories titled ‘Lagaon Batti.’
Shirish Kanekar’s passion for education led him to complete LLB from Mumbai University, further enriching his perspectives and contributing to his insightful writing. The Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad also recognized his literary prowess, bestowing an award upon his collection of stories, ‘Lagav Batti.’
As we bid farewell to this literary luminary, we remember Shirish Kanekar for his diverse contributions to Marathi literature and journalism, which have left an indelible impression on the hearts and minds of countless readers and admirers. His words will continue to resonate and inspire generations to come.