Poet and writer Shirish Pai dies

Noted Marathi poet and writer, Shirish Pai, aged 88, passed away on Saturday morning at her residence in Mumbai. The last rites were performed at Shivaji Park crematorium in the evening. Pai, who died due to old age, is survived by two sons.

Pai was the daughter legendary multi-faceted journalist, writer, playwright, politician, film-maker Prahlad Keshav Atre. Being Atre's daughter, Shirish Pai participated in the Samyukta Maharashtra or united Maharashtra movement of the 1960s and also worked for some time with Atre's Daily Maratha.

A prolific writer and poet Pai was drawn toward Japanese 3-line poetry, haiku, and penned Marathi haikus. Her collection of the poems has been published in five books. She also translated an English haiku collection to Marathi.

A versatile writer, Pai has penned short stories, novels, literature for children, as well as plays. She had completed her education in law from Government law college, Mumbai. Having the influence of a progressive and socialist ideology, Pai had visited the Soviet Union and east European countries.

`Ek Taari', `Gaaywaat', `Kasturi', `Rutuchakra', `Eka Pawsaalyaat' are her poetry collections, while `Laal Bairagin' and `Hehi Diwas Jaatil' were books penned by her. `Aaichi Gaani ' and `Baagetil Gamati' was literature she wrote for children. Her plays Ha Khel Saawlyancha, Jhapatleli and Kali Ekada Fulali Hoti were the ones that brought her fame. A collection of her stories were published from time to time and, including books like `Chaiitrapalavi', `Khadakchaafaa', `Kaanchan Bahaar' and `Sukha-Swapna'.