Sharad Joshi

Sharad Joshi Biography

Sharad Joshi was a noted writer, poet and satirist of Hindi literature in the 20^th century. He was also known as a scriptwriter and dialogue writer who penned for many TV serials and Bollywood movies. For his outstanding contributions to Hindi literature he was honored with Padma Shri by Government of India in 1990. He passed away the following year on Teacher’s day, aged 60. Madhya Pradesh government has instituted an award in his memory titled, "Sharad Joshi Samman", which promotes writers. Jeep par sawar illiyan, Tilism and Raha kinare baith are his noted works. He wrote the scripts of popular television series on Doordarshan – Vikram aur Betaal and Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi. Wah janab was his first script for a television series (1983).

He scripted the popular sitcom, Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi for Doordarshan in 1984. It was one of the first sitcoms and hit shows on Indian television soon after Doordarshan started sponsored shows. Powerfully written scripts; the episodes revolved around funny happenings in the lives of a couple was the highly rated program on Doordarshan, enough to affect the box-office openings of cinemas at the time of airing of the shows. He has also scripted/co-scripted many Bollywood films like Dil hai Ki manta Nahi, Udaan(1997), Chhoti Si Baat (1975) etc. He was also associated as a writer with less known Bollywood movies like - Sanch Ko Anch Nahin, Kshitij, Chorni, Mere Damad etc. He wrote dialogues for Rekha starrer Utsav (1984) and Godhuli (1977).

Sharad Joshi was born on 21 May 1931 in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Sriniwas and Santi Joshi were his parents. He had 5 siblings and was born as the second child. Since childhood Sharat was interested in writing. He completed B.A. from Holkar College where Salim Khan, famous scriptwriter was studying. He started publishing in in Nayi Duniya. As his father was against literary interests, he used the pen names -  Sharad Chandra Joshi and Brahmaputra.

Most people in the Hindi belt have grown up enjoying his great satirical wit. He pointed towards political barbs. His command over the language and his magical way of saying things made him a huge fan among the listeners. He used to get regularly mobbed whenever he visited Bhopal, the place with a great of fans. He wrote the column Pratidin for Navbharat Times which took his popularity to new heights, also the selling of newspapers to new records.

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Updated: December 24, 2015