Girish Karnad: A Luminary of Indian Literature and Theatre

In A Book On Girish Karnad, Poonam Nigam Sahay presents an insightful account of the extraordinary life and creative genius of Girish Karnad, a towering figure in Indian theatre, cinema, and literature. Born in 1938 in Matheran, Karnad’s journey from a small-town boy to a globally celebrated playwright and Jnanpith Award-winning literary icon exemplifies brilliance, perseverance, and cultural depth.

Karnad seamlessly blended mythology, history, and societal issues in his works, reimagining ancient tales to address contemporary themes. His debut play, Yayati (1961), reinterpreted a Mahabharata story to explore human responsibility and existential fears, setting the tone for his future works. The seminal Tughlaq (1964) bridged history and modern political allegory, while Hayavadana, Nagamandala, and The Fire and the Rain married folklore with issues of identity, gender, and power dynamics.

Beyond theatre, Karnad also excelled as an actor, screenwriter, and director in Indian cinema, extending his influence to a broader cultural audience. His enduring activism against casteism, patriarchy, and cultural suppression resonated deeply in both his art and life.

Poonam Nigam Sahay’s book delves deeply into Karnad’s legacy, examining his transformative impact on post-independence Indian literature and theatre, underscoring his unparalleled role in reshaping India’s cultural and intellectual landscape.