The Making of Mahesh Dattani as a Dramatist: Influences and Impressions

Abstract

Writing plays in English and their performance before Indian audience is undoubtedly a challenging task. Mahesh Dattani took this arduoustask in his hand with pleasure.There is really magic in writing own destiny. Dattani did this magic though it was a bit tough task. Today,Dattani is recognized as Numero Uno so far as Indian English drama is concerned. But the journey from an ordinary person to a celebrated dramatist is no way a cup to tea to undertake. The time he started writing, drama was not a popular form among home audience. He faced numerous criticisms for the treatment of controversial and unusual themes and hybrid language in his plays. He exploited both Indian Tradition and Western Tradition for theoretical practice. He thus made a fine balance among theme, language and stage craft in his plays, making them acceptable in home as well as abroad. To achieve zenith from nadir, he did not simply followed the radical approach. His dyeing interest in watching play, family environment, influencesof various playwrights and many other factors have helped him immensely to achieve his goal.A successful play and playwright achieves prominence not simply because of his intrinsic merit but because of the work of mediators, who influence the whole trajectory of a playwright.