Veteran Marathi writer-playwright Ratnakar Matkari passes away; Gayatri Datar and Samir Chougule mourn his sad demise

Veteran Marathi writer-playwright Ratnakar Matkari, 81, passed away on Sunday (May 17) evening at a private hospital in Mumbai. The national-award-winning writer, who was considered as a pioneer of the children's drama movement in Marathi, was reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 last week.
According to latest reports, Matkari was admitted to Godrej Hospital four days ago for a COVID-19 test and was shifted to Seven Hills Hospital for treatment after his test report was positive.He reportedly succumbed to the illness at around 11.30 pm on Sunday.

Marathi entertainment industry has mourned the demise of Matkari.
Marathi TV actress Gayatri Datar, who shot to fame with the popular series Tula Pahate Re, posted a picture of Ratnakar Matkari and captioned it as “Heartfelt tribute to Ratnakar Matkari”. Gayatri recently played an interesting character in his popular kids play ‘Nimma Shimma Rakshas'.

Maharashtrachi Hasya Jatra fame Samir Chaugule also wrote, "Jeshtha Lekhak Ratnakar Matkari..Bhavpurna Shradhanjali"

Matkari was popular for his work in movies like 'Bhai - Vyakti Ki Valli 2', 'Char Divas Premach', and the National Award-winning film 'Investment'.