Coronavirus Outbreak: Veteran Marathi playwright Ratnakar Matkar passes away in Mumbai

Veteran Marathi writer and playwright Ratnakar Matkari has died, family sources said on Monday. Matkari, 81, considered a pioneer of the children’s drama movement in Marathi, died at a hospital in suburban Marol here late Sunday night, a BMC official said. (Click here to follow LIVE updates on coronavirus outbreak) Matkari had tested coronavirus positive last week, the official said. From story books for kids to plays, his work in Marathi literature was phenomenal, a writer said. 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,” Thackeray said.