Bharati Mehta is a writer, storyteller and presenter based in Thane, India. She has written numerous stories, poems and a novel in Marathi, the language well known for its literary gems. Her novel ‘Manapakharu’ has received the Arati Prabhu award for exceptional writing. She has written more than 150 poems and writes regularly in popular magazines such as ‘Stree’, ‘Lokprabha’ and ‘Anuradha’. She has delivered a number of performances as a storyteller in India, the U.S., UAE and other countries. As a popular presenter on All India Radio and Television, she is known for her renditions of stories and poetry as well for her participation in thoughtful discussions.
Early Life and Beginning of Writing
Bharati Mehta was born and brought up in the small town of Mahad, about 200 kilometers away from Mumbai. Growing up in Mahad, she found a favourable environment for literary activities. From an early age, she was encouraged by her mother who was an avid reader of profound books such as the Bhagwat Gita, despite being barely literate. When Bharati was ten years old, she was fortunate to listen to the legendary thought leader Sane Guruji. The young Bharati was influenced by the deeply motivating thoughts of the great teacher, which proved to be the beginning of a life in literature for her.
In the Mahad of 1950’s, cultural activities were flowering. Bharati received ample encouragement from Dr. Kane, who organised literary and cultural programs such as writing and presenting. Thanks to the support from kind and learned people like Dr. Kane and Virkartai, her godmother, Bharati Mehta started presenting stories from the age of 20. Later, working as a teacher in Mahad, her cultural activities continued unabated. She became a part of a large joint family after marriage. Recounting stories to the children of the house every night brought out the storyteller in her, and without realizing she started writing.
Bharati Mehta is a versatile writer. She has experimented with multiple forms of literature. Her stories are famous for the natural, crisp and simple style in which they are told. Her collections of stories ‘Tevha Shilp Hasale’, ‘Katha Bharati’ and ‘Swapnatalya Kalyano’ have been lauded by the readers and critics alike. Appreciation has come from well known writers such as the noted author Madhu Mangesh Karnik , as well as in form of awards like the ‘Chintamani Sahayog Paritoshik’.
She has also penned a collection of poems 'Shabdano ya Maguti'