Abode of literary stalwarts, Sahitya Sahawas celebrates golden jubilee this year

Sahitya Sahawas, home to many giants in Marathi literature and 'Saccho', is celebrating its golden jubilee this year.

One of Mumbai's most iconic residential colonies, it was founded by well-known authors, late Acharya Prahlad Keshav Atre and late Anant Kanekar.

The Bandra (E) society has many interesting stories about itself.

But before that, who is Saccho? Saccho is no literary genius. When he was a kid, Saccho used to smash the window panes of many flats here, says Dr Dattatray Muzumdar, general secretary of the society. What makes him famous, though, is his real name: Sachin Tendulkar!

Now for the society's own stories. The idea behind the society, which consists of 84 flats in nine buildings, was to bring as many literary giants in the state under one roof as possible.

Just as most residents, the names of the buildings also have a literary connection.

So, Abhang, Vadmay Jayanti, Anandvan, Fularani, Ushakal, Ragini and Shankutal are all poems and novels in 'concrete format'.

Till date, the society has not invited anyone from outside the premises as chief guest for the colony day, which is celebrated every January 26. One of the residents himself/herself will do the job.

This year, Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande, a resident and an IAS officer, will play the role.

"There are more than 30 authors staying in the colony now," says Muzumdar.

Professor Gangadhar Gadgil and Satyadev Dubey are two of them. Dr Subhash Bhend is here. So is Dr Vijaya Rajadhyaksha, winner of the Sahitya Akademi award and Vinda Karandikar Puraskar.

Professor K J Purohit, aka Shantaram, is another resident. A well-known short-story writer, he was the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in 1989.

"This is a beautiful colony. There is no politics here and it's a very cheerful environment. I have never thought of moving out of here," said Purohit.

Echoes Rajadhyaksha: "Since 1968, I have been staying in this colony. I had a great feeling about this colony...I have never thought about leaving this place."

Late Dr Ya Di Phadke, late Va Pu Kale, Jnanpeeth winner late Govind Vinayak Karandikar, popularly known as Vinda, also stayed here, said society general secretary Dr Dattatray Muzumdar.

And what does Muzumdar do? Well, he has no literary works to his credit. He is a doctor, but has literature in his blood. The professor at the neurosurgery department of KEM hospital is the grandson of humorist Dr A V Warti. Warti has published four novels, 30 short stories and two dramas.

While talking about Sachin, Muzumdar says: "Sachin is five years younger to me. We have been seeing him since our childhood days. He spent 28 years in this colony. His elder brother Ajit Tendulkar still stays here."

Muzumdar is now busy making preparations for the 50th colony day. "We are organising special programmes like poetry reading, a stand-up comedy show by Dr Anil Tendolkar and a solo by singer Sandhya Kathavate," he said.

Last, but not the least. Since 50 years is a special occasion, this year, however, there might be one celebrity guest from outside, if he is free, says Muzumdar. No marks for guessing who.