Veteran journalist, author Arun Sadhu dies at 76

Veteran journalist, author and novelist Arun Sadhu, 76, died on Monday. It was in his novel Sinhasan (Throne), where he had first highlighted the corruption menace — the unholy nexus between the political class and the wealthy, though it has gained chorus nationwide now. The film, based on his novel, released in 1979 to super-hit status and is still considered to be a formidable political watch. Directed by Jabbar Patel and written by leading playwright Vijay Tendulkar, it effectively painted political turmoil and how common man continues to be the loser.

In his career span, the veteran scribe wrote 12 books covering politics and global affairs. Besides, he wrote extensively on the rise of Shiv Sena, the Vietnam War, and the Chinese revolution. He also co-scripted a film on the life and work of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Sadhu, who hails from the Vidarbha region, started his career in the Marathi daily Kesari and later worked with The Times of India, the Statesman and Free Press Journal. He also served as professor and head of the department of Communication and Journalism at Pune University.

Sadhu was one of the founders of Granthali, a movement initiated to spread the culture of reading in the state. He was also a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award.