New Delhi, April 22
Renowned Punjabi dramatist and short story writer, Balwant Gargi, was cremated here today. He died in Mumbai last night after prolonged illness. He was 87. He left behind his son and daughter.
The body of the Sahitya Akademi winning writer was brought to the Capital this afternoon and a large number of persons from cultural and literary field paid their last respect.
Born in Bathinda, Balwant Gargi completed his Masters from FC College in Lahore. Following Partition, he moved to Delhi.
He wrote several plays, including “Nangi Dhup” (an autobiography), “Loha Kutt”, “Husin Chehere Kesro”, “Kanak Balli”, “Soni Mahiwal”, “Sultan Razia”, “Soukan,” “Mirza Sahiba” and “Dhooni di Agg” and short stories “Mircha Wala Sadh”, “Pattan di Berhi” and “Kuari Disi”.
He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi award, the highest literary award, in 1962 for his play “Rang Manch”.
Balwant Gargi taught for two years at the University of Washington and directed several plays.
