Mannu Bhandari Age, Height, Family, Career, Net Worth, Lifestyle & Facts

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Other name: Mahendra Kumari [1] Bharat Times

Full name: Mannu Bhandari Yadav

Nickname: Mannu

Profession(s): Author, Teacher, Playwright

Known for: Being the author of two popular Hindi novels named ‘Aapka Bunty’ (Your Bunty) and ‘Mahabhoj’ (Feast)

Date of Birth: 2 April 1931 (Thursday)

Birthplace: Bhanpura, Indore State, British India

Age (at the time of death): 90 Years

Zodiac sign: Aries

Nationality: Indian

Hometown: Ajmer, Rajasthan

Religion: Jainism [4] The Indian Express

Marriage Date: 22 November 1959

Age: 90 Years

Check Out Other Celebrities Biography

EDUCATION

School: Savitri Girls High School, Ajmer

College/University: • Calcutta University, West Bengal • Banaras Hindu University

Educational Qualifications: • Graduation at Calcutta University, West Bengal (1949) • M.A. in Hindi language and literature at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh [3] The Times of India

PHYSICAL STATISTICS

Eye Colour: Black

Hair Colour: Grey

FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS

Marital Status (at the time of death): Widow

Affairs/Boyfriends: Rajendra Yadav (writer)

Husband/Spouse: Rajendra Yadav (d. 2013) (Hindi writer)

Children: Daughter – Rachana Yadav (kathak dancer)

Parents: Father – Sukhsampat Rai Bhandari (freedom fighter and social reformer) Mother – Anoop Kumari Bhandari (homemaker)

Siblings: Brothers – 2 Prasanna Kumar Bhandari (teacher) Basant Kumar (teacher) Sisters – 2 Shusheela Snehlata (school owner in Indore) Note: She was the youngest of five siblings.

Husband: Rajendra Yadav

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Debut: Short story: ‘Main Har Gayi’ (‘I Have Been Defeated’) (1957) published in the Hindi Kahaani magazine Novel: Aapka Bunty (1971)

Awards, Honours, Achievements: • Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan for Mahabhoj (1980-1981) • Bhartiya Bhasha Parishad at Kolkata (1982) • Kala-Kunj Samman at New Delhi (1982) • Bhartiya Sanskrit Sansad Katha Samaroh at Kolkata (1983) • Bihar Rajya Bhasha Parishad (1991) • Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi (2001–02) • Maharashtra Rajya Hindi Sahitya Akademi (2004) • Hindi Academy, Dilli Shalaka Samman (2006–07) • Madhya Pradesh Hindi Sahitya Sammelan at Bhavbhuti Alankaran (2006–07) • The 18th Vyas Samman for ‘Ek Kahani Yeh Bhi’ by K. K. Birla Foundation (2008)

OTHER INFORMATION

Date of Death: 15 November 2021

Place of Death: Gurgaon, Haryana, India

Death Cause: Heart attack [2] The Times of India

INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Mannu Bhandari Yadav emerged as a prominent figure in Indian literature, known for her insightful writings that resonated with the experiences of middle-class women in India. Writing predominantly in Hindi, she garnered acclaim for her two notable books, “Aap Ka Bunty” and “Mahabhoj,” along with a multitude of short stories, novels, and television scripts. A pioneer of the Nayi Kahani movement, her narratives often addressed the aspirations, struggles, and challenges faced by educated working women, delving into themes of family, relationships, equal rights, and societal discrimination. Bhandari’s ability to capture the nuances of the emerging middle class made her a significant voice in the landscape of Hindi literature.

Throughout her illustrious career, Bhandari’s works transcended the written word, finding their way onto the silver screen and theater stages. Many of her stories were adapted into films and plays, showcasing her narratives on platforms such as Doordarshan, the BBC, and at the National School of Drama. Her literary contributions were not only celebrated in India; they were also translated into various Indian languages as well as into French, German, and English. The accolades she received, including the Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan and the prestigious Vyas Samman, cemented her legacy as one of the distinguished writers of the 21st century. Following her passing, The Indian Express honored her with the title of “doyenne of the Hindi literary world,” reflecting her profound impact on Indian literature.

Bhandari’s literary journey was rooted in a rich familial background; her father was an esteemed translator who played a pivotal role in translating English to Hindi and Marathi dictionaries. He was also associated with the Arya Samaj movement, which aimed to instigate progressive changes in Hinduism. Despite the challenges she faced, including her father’s teasing about her dark complexion, Bhandari’s resolve only strengthened. During her school years, she exhibited a spirited engagement with politics, famously organizing a strike after two friends were expelled for their involvement with Subhash Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army.

After completing her graduation, she embarked on a teaching career, initially serving as a Hindi teacher at Ballygunge Shiksha Sadan in Calcutta before moving to Rani Birla College. It was during her time at Calcutta University that she met her husband, Rajendra Yadav, and despite her father’s disapproval, they married and settled in Tollygunge. Their journey eventually led them to Delhi, where Bhandari continued her teaching at Miranda House College. Though they chose to live separately in the 1980s, they maintained a bond of friendship until Yadav’s passing in 2013.

Bhandari’s writing career took off with her first short story, “Main Har Gayi,” in 1957, which later transformed into a popular play. Her acclaimed novel “Aapka Bunty,” published in 1971, dealt with the emotional turmoil of a child faced with parental separation, while “Mahabhoj,” released in 1979, was inspired by real-life events regarding the plight of marginalized communities. This powerful work not only became a success as a novel but also transitioned into a celebrated play performed at the National School of Drama. Bhandari’s scripts for television, notably for the show “Rajani,” highlighted social issues, reflecting her deep engagement with contemporary challenges. In later years, her autobiography, “Ek Kahaani Yeh Bhi,” provided a reflective account of her life, her political involvement, and her literary journey, encapsulating the rich tapestry of her experiences as a writer and a woman in post-colonial India. In 2017, she continued to inspire audiences with her play “Bina Deevaron Ke Ghar,” reaffirming her enduring legacy in Indian literature and theater.

—

Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.