Manohar Shyam Joshi was a famous Hindi writer, journalist, and scriptwriter. He is known as the “Father of Indian Soap Operas” for creating India’s first television serial, Hum Log. His work in literature and media has left a lasting impact on Indian society.
Early Life
Manohar Shyam Joshi was born on 9 August 1933 in Ajmer, Rajasthan, British India. His family belonged to the Kumaoni Brahmin community from Almora, which is now in Uttarakhand. His father was an educationist and musicologist.
Joshi had a deep interest in writing from a young age. He later became a journalist, novelist, and television writer.
Career in Television
Joshi revolutionized Indian television by creating the first Hindi soap opera, Hum Log (1984). This show became extremely popular as it depicted the struggles of a middle-class Indian family. After its success, he wrote another legendary serial, Buniyaad (1987), which told the story of a family affected by the Partition of India in 1947.
His other notable TV serials include:
- Mungeri Lal Ke Haseen Sapne
- Kakaji Kahin
- Humrahi
- Zameen Aasman
- Gatha
His TV scripts connected with people’s emotions and social realities, making him a household name.
Contribution to Literature
Manohar Shyam Joshi was also a brilliant novelist. He wrote many books, experimenting with different styles and subjects. His most famous novels include:
- Kasap – A powerful love story considered one of the best in Hindi literature.
- Kyap – A novel that explores modern India and won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2005.
- Netaji Kahin – A satirical political novel.
- Kuru Kuru Swaahaa – A postmodernist cult novel.
- Hariya Hercules Ki Hairani – A unique novella that showcases his creativity.
His books reflected deep social insights and a sharp sense of humor.
Career in Journalism
Joshi had a successful career in journalism as well. He worked for All India Radio and the Films Division of India. He wrote interviews and articles for the Hindi magazine Sarika. He was later appointed as the assistant editor of Dinaman, a Hindi news magazine of The Times of India group.
He also worked as the editor of Saptahik Hindustan and Morning Echo, and wrote a regular opinion column for Outlook Saptahik. His journalistic work covered a variety of topics, including politics, travel, and popular science.
Contribution to Cinema
Joshi also contributed to Indian cinema. He wrote screenplays for movies like:
- Hey Ram
- Appu Raja
- Papa Kahte Hain
- Brashtachar
He was also a talented dubbing expert who worked on films like Appu Raja and Hey Ram.
Personal Life
Manohar Shyam Joshi was married to Dr. Bhagwati Joshi. They had three sons: Anupam Joshi, Anurag Joshi, and Ashish Joshi. His son, Anupam Joshi, is a well-known cyber security expert.
Death and Legacy
Joshi passed away on 30 March 2006 in New Delhi at the age of 72. After his death, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called him “one of the most influential writers and commentators in Hindi in recent times.”
Famous author Khushwant Singh praised him as “the first and the most innovative writer of Hindi.”
Literary work
- Kasap
- Netaji Kahin (political satire made into a memorable TV series Kakkaji Kahin, by Basu Chatterji)
- Kuru Kuru Swaahaa
- Hariya Hercules Ki Hairani (Rajkamal & Sons, 1999. ISBN 81-7178-775-4.Hariya Harquelize Ki Hairani (HINDI) by Manohar Shyam Joshi English translation of The Perplexity of Haria Hercules by Robert Hueckstedt)
- Prabhu Tum Kaise Kissago (short stories)
- Mandir Ghaat ki Pauriyaan (short stories)
- Uss Desh Ka Yaron Kya Kahna
- Baton Baton Mein (interviews)
- Kaise Kissago
- Kasap
- Ek Durlabh Vyaktitva (short stories)
- Lucknow Mera Lucknow (memoirs of student days)
- Gatha Kurukshetra Ki (play) Gatha Kurukshetra Ki (HINDI) by Manohar Shyam Joshi
- Seemaant Diary – Kashmir Se Kachh Tak (travelogue) Gatha Kurukshetra Ki (HINDI) by Manohar Shyam Joshi
- 21st Century (essays and opinions)
- T’ta Professor, also an award-winning English translation by Ira Pande https://www.penguin.co.in/
- Kyaap, winner of Sahitya Academy Award 2005
- Hamzad, Rajkamal & Sons, 1999. ISBN 81-7178-776-2. Hamzad (HINDI) by Manohar Shyam Joshi
- Main Kaun Hoon? an exploration on identity loosely based on the real life Bhawal Sanyasi case, of the prince who came back from the dead to reclaim his life, love and kingdom.
- Vadhasthal (National Book Trust, India, 2009): A novel set in the killing fields of Cambodia
- Kapeeshji (NBT, India, 2009): Novel about the evolution of an unselfmade godman.
Television serial
- Hum Log (1982)
- Buniyaad (1987)
- Kakaji Kahin
- Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne
- Hamrahi
- Zameen Aasman (1995)
- Gatha (1997)
Filmograph
- Bhrashtachar (1989) – Screenplay
- Papa Kehte Hai
- Appu Raja
- Hey Ram (2000) – Dialogue
Works in Translatio
- T’Ta Professor (2008), translated by Ira Pande ISBN 978-0-670-08209-4, winner of Vodafone Crossword Book Award for best translated work.
- Hariya Hercules ki Hairani, translated by Robert Hueckstedt
Award
- MP Sahitya Parishad Samman
- Sharad Joshi Samman
- Shikhar Samman
- Delhi Hindi Academy Award
- Onida and Uptron Award for TV writing
- 2005 Sahitya AcademyAward
Manohar Shyam Joshi’s contributions to Hindi literature, television, and journalism continue to inspire generations. His storytelling brought Indian culture, politics, and society to life in a way that few writers have managed. Whether through his novels, TV shows, or journalistic pieces, he remains a legendary figure in Indian literature and media.
His legacy as a pioneer in Hindi storytelling will always be remembered.
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