Ninety-one-year-old Ved Rahi, an illustrious writer and filmmaker from Jammu, has been honored with the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, the highest recognition from India’s premier literary body. The award was presented at his residence in Thane, Maharashtra, by Dr. Madhav Kaushik, Dr. K. Sreenivasarao, and Dr. Narendra B. Pathak, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to Dogri literature and Indian literary heritage.
The Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, regarded as the pinnacle of literary achievements in India, places recipients among the “Immortals of Indian Literature.” This accolade cements Rahi’s legacy as a stalwart of Dogri, Hindi, and Urdu literature.
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A Legacy Rooted in Journalism
Ved Rahi is the son of Lala Mulk Raj Saraf, a pioneering journalist celebrated as the father of journalism in Jammu and Kashmir.Born into a family committed to literary excellence, Rahi began his writing journey at the tender age of 12, initially penning works in Urdu before transitioning to Hindi and Dogri.
His early career was marked by a stint at All India Radio, Jammu (1955-1958), where he served as a scriptwriter. Later, he took on the role of Editor for Yojana (Hindi monthly) from 1958 to 1961, continuing the journalistic tradition of his father. Alongside his colleagues, Madan Mohan Sharma and Narendra Khajuria, Rahi co-authored a story collection titled Kale Hath and a novel, Had, Bedi Te Pattan, which gained significant acclaim.
Gyan Tatya: Rahi’s father, Mulk Raj Saraf, was a pioneer of journalism in Jammu and Kashmir, having started the first newspaper in the princely state, ‘Ranbir’, in 1924.
Contributions to Literature
Ved Rahi’s literary journey spans over six decades, during which he made remarkable contributions to Dogri, Hindi, and Urdu literature. His collection of Dogri short stories, Aale, earned him the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1983, while his earlier works garnered the J&K Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages Award in 1971.
In recognition of his literary prowess, Rahi was also honored with the Mahapandit Rahul Sankrityayan Award (2014), Kusumagraj Rashtriya Sahitya Puraskar (2019), and numerous other accolades, including the Maharashtra Gaurav Award and the Best Screenplay Award.
Ved Rahi in Cinema and Television
Rahi’s illustrious career extended beyond literature into the world of cinema and television. After moving to Mumbai, he worked as an assistant film writer and director under the legendary Ramanand Sagar. Over the years, he wrote scripts for 25 acclaimed films, including Pavitra Papi, Paraya Dhan, Be-imaan, Sanyasi, and Charas.
As a director, Rahi’s filmography includes works like Darar, Prem Parbat, Andhi Surang, and Raat Aur Toofan. He also ventured into regional cinema with the Dogri film Bobo Kaddu Aug. His first production, Kali Ghata, featured notable stars like Rekha, Shashi Kapoor, and Danny Denzongpa.
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One of Rahi’s most celebrated projects was the film Veer Savarkar, a masterpiece that remains a testament to his cinematic brilliance. His television series Gul, Gulshan, Gulfam, a 45-episode story of a Kashmiri family, became a cultural phenomenon when it aired on Doordarshan in 1987. The series earned him the Uptron Best Director Award in 1992.
Recognition and Family Support
Throughout his career, Ved Rahi has been a recipient of numerous awards and honors that underscore his contributions to Indian art, culture, and literature. Yet, beyond his professional achievements, Rahi is a devoted family man. His wife exemplifies the warmth and simplicity of Dogra culture, while his daughters, Anju Patel and Poonam Advani, reflect their father’s erudition and grace.
Ved Rahi’s life is a shining example of dedication to the arts, literature, and cinema. From scripting iconic films to enriching Dogri literature, his contributions have left an indelible mark on Indian culture. As he continues to inspire generations with his work, Ved Rahi stands as a symbol of creativity, resilience, and excellence.
Wishing this literary legend continued health and happiness!
