Deha Zala chandanacha: Marathi biographical novel on the life of Rev. Pandurang Shastri Athavale, ounder of Swadhyay movement

Rajendra Kher is a professional author from India, born in Pune on 3rd of January 1961. He graduated from Pune University in 1983. His father, late Mr. B. D. Kher was also a prolific author. He has written over a hundred books and was the recipient of many national and international awards including Soviet Land Nehru Award, Maharashtra State Award. 

Rajendra Kher has been writing since past 25 years. So far, he has 10 published works to his credit. All written in Marathi—the books have received tremendous appreciation from the readers and critics alike. Some of his novels are translated in three other languages and are among the bestsellers. He is also the recipient of 5 prestigious awards.

Four of his novels are published in English. One of them is a novel on the philosophy of Bhagavad-Gita titled ‘The Song of Salvation’ published by Zumaya Publications, USA. Several reviews over the same can be seen on the internet.

The second, ‘The Silent Reformer’, a novel based on the life and times of revered Pandurang Shastri Athavle, founder of Swadhyay Pariwar with millions of followers worldwide, is the English version (published in India) of his original novel in Marathi: ‘Deha Zala Chandanacha.’ Around 40,000 copies sold in Marathi. 18,000 copies sold in Gujarati language. English version is in its 4th reprint while the original Marathi novel is in its 30th reprint. Rajendra got chance to have very close conversation with Rev. Pandurang Shastri Athavle for three and half year’s period while writing this novel. Revered Pandurang Shastri Athavle was the recipient of more than 100 national & international awards including Magasaysay Award, Templeton Award, Tilak Award, Gandhi Award, House-of-Lords felicitation, Birla Award etcetera for his unmatched work for humanity through devotion.

He has contributed numerous articles and short stories to newspapers and magazines. Life After Life follows the publication of the widely acclaimed Empire Of The Gods and bestselling Udayan, The Forgotten Pandava. All these books are from Leadstart Publishing.      

Rajendra Kher has also had an opportunity to work in Indian film industry for 10 years and thereafter he worked as a Programme Director for 2 years, for a TV channel. He was assistant director in Prakasha Mehra productions (which produced Amitabh Bachan’s block-buster movies like ‘Zanjeer,’ ‘Mukaddar ka Sikandar,’ ‘Sharabi,’ Lawaris’ etc). Also, he worked with Sidhharth Kak (‘Surbhi’fame) for his several documentaries. Rajendra Kher produced and directed a short experimental film: ‘Charlie Chaplin in India’ in his early age. He worked as Production Manager for many documentaries and as a Chief assistant director for some TV serials as well. He has a profound experience in writing scripts and screenplays, etc and has written numerous articles and short stories as well, for newspapers and magazines.