Biography of  Annasaheb Kirloskar

(March 31, 1843 - November 2, 1885)

In the last quarter of the 19th century, the man who brought revolution in the Marathi theatre was Annasaheb Kirloskar. His first drama was played in theatre in 1880, and with this, a modern Marathi theatre came into being

Balwant Pondurang, another name of Annasaheb Kirloskar, was born on March 31, 1843, at Gunsur in Belgaun district. From his childhood, Kirloskar used to play drama with his friends and write short poems. At the age of 20, he joined a drama company as an actor. In 1873, he wrote his first literary drama 'Shrishanker Digvijay'. Just after it he wrote another historical drama 'Shakuntala'.

His other famous dramas were 'Sangeet Saubhadra' and 'Ramrajya Viyog'. He always gave utmost importance to the artistic aspects of drama and its dialogue. Even Tilak appreciated his works.

The great artist and writer died on November 2, 1885 due to diabetes.