Mahesh Dattani: the Valiant Voice for the Voiceless

Abstract

Mahesh Dattani is an eminent playwright, director and writer. He has enormous contribution in Indian English literature. He is well known for his straightforward approach of writing and boldness in selecting subject matters for his plays. Dattani deals with the contemporary issues, the conflict between tradition and modernity. He is awarded with the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1998 for his play the Final Solutions and Other Plays. He speaks for the marginalized people. He has raised his strong voice against the oppressive patriarchal systems and gender discrimination. He speaks openly about gender and LGBTQ issues. The themes and subject matters of Dattani’s works are very relevant in the modern times, these are authentic that’s why his works are well accepted to the readers. He shows courage in dealing with the taboo things of the society. His straightforward approach and daring attitude towards dealing with these sensitive issues give him more popularity in Indian English Literature. Dattani has enriched Indian drama by choosing prohibited subjects like homosexuality, marginalization, communal dispute, fragility of human relationships, child abuse, gender discrimination and marginalization of women in family and society. In this paper there will be a detailed discussion of some of his works which are precious literary pieces in Indian English drama and Literature.