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Renowned Marathi author Shubhangi Bhadbhade, known for biographical novels, passes away

In March, Shubhangi Bhadbhade presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a pre-release copy of her novel Rajyogi, which traced his rise from an ordinary RSS worker to the prime minister.

3 min readMumbaiJul 28, 2025 03:39 PM IST

In a poignant reminder of her enduring passion for literature, she was present at the launch of Dr Bharati Sudame’s translated novel Mi Aryaputra on Sunday evening, hours before her death. (Photo: Express Photo)

Shubhangi Bhadbhade, a respected and prolific voice in Marathi literature, passed away on Monday morning in Nagpur at the age of 80 following a heart attack, her family said. She produced a remarkable oeuvre that included 80 novels, two short story collections, and numerous essays and articles and was especially known for her biographical novels.

An influential literary organiser as well, Shubhangitai, as she was fondly remembered, founded the Padmagandha Pratishthan, an institution that became a vital platform for writers from Vidarbha. Through this foundation, she led several meaningful initiatives and played a key role in encouraging and mentoring emerging women writers.

In a poignant reminder of her enduring passion for literature, she was present at the launch of Dr Bharati Sudame’s translated novel Mi Aryaputra on Sunday evening, hours before her death.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took to X to offer condolences. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Shubhangitai Bhadbhade, a renowned author, veteran novelist, and a dedicated literary figure who provided a platform for budding writers through the Padmagandha Pratishthan. Having penned over 80 novels, she made significant contributions to the field of biographical writing. She authored biographies on eminent personalities such as Swatantryaveer Savarkar, the first Sarsanghachalak Dr. Hedgewarji, Golwalkar Guruji, and Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modiji. With her demise, we have lost a talented literary mind, and the literary world has lost a revered mentor,” he wrote.

He further wrote, “When she wrote ‘Mrityunjayacha Mahayagnya,’ a novel on Swatantryaveer Savarkar, I had requested her to convert it into an audiobook, to which she happily agreed, and the work was completed. She often, and rightfully, asked me to write introductions for many of her books, which led to our continuous conversations. I offer my heartfelt condolences. We share in the sorrow of her family, relatives, and admirers.”

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule also offered condolences. He wrote, “I was saddened to hear the news of the passing of senior writer and founder-president of Padmagandha Sahitya Pratishthan, Shubhangitai Bhadbhade. Through essays, stories, and novels, she dedicated her life to literary service. Her unparalleled work through the Padmagandha Sahitya Pratishthan significantly strengthened the literary movement in Vidarbha. Heartfelt tributes to Shubhangitai Bhadbhade. May God grant her soul eternal peace. I share in the grief of her family.”

In March this year, Bhadbhade presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a pre-release copy of her novel Rajyogi, which traced his rise from an ordinary RSS worker to the prime minister.

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She was also a recipient of the Maharashtra Sahitya Sabha’s poetry award, the Vidarbha Sahitya Sangh’s Ekanki Writing Award, the Sahitya Academy Award, the Katha Award of Baroda, C Suman Deshpande Children’s Literature Award, Children’s Novel Award, and the Akhil Bharatiya Natya Parishad Mumbai’s Ekanki Writing Award. The Maharashtra Government awarded her Utkrushta Vangmay Puraskar for her On Saransh Katha Sangrah.

Ankita Deshkar

Ankita Deshkar is a Deputy Copy Editor and a dedicated fact-checker at The Indian Express. Based in Maharashtra, she specializes in bridging the gap between technical complexity and public understanding. With a deep focus on Cyber Law, Information Technology, and Public Safety, she leads "The Safe Side" series, where she deconstructs emerging digital threats and financial scams. Ankita is also a certified trainer for the Google News Initiative (GNI) India Training Network, specializing in online verification and the fight against misinformation. She is also an AI trainer with ADiRA (AI for Digital Readiness and Advancement) Professional Background & Expertise Role: Fact-checker & Deputy Copy Editor, The Indian Express Experience: Started working in 2016 Ankita brings a unique multidisciplinary background to her journalism, combining engineering logic with mass communication expertise. Her work often intersects regional governance, wildlife conservation, and digital rights, making her a leading voice on issues affecting Central India, particularly the Vidarbha region. Key focus areas include: Fact-Checking & Verification: As a GNI-certified trainer, she conducts workshops on debunking deepfakes, verifying viral claims, and using OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) tools. Cyber Law & IT: With postgraduate specialization in Cyber Law, she decodes the legalities of data privacy, digital fraud, and the evolving landscape of intellectual property rights. Public Safety & Health: Through her "The Safe Side" column, she provides actionable intelligence on avoiding "juice jacking," "e-SIM scams," and digital extortion. Regional Reporting: She provides on-ground coverage of high-stakes issues in Maharashtra, from Maoist surrenders in Gadchiroli to critical healthcare updates and wildlife-human conflict in Nagpur. Education & Credentials Ankita is currently pursuing her PhD in Mass Communication and Journalism, focusing on the non-verbal communication through Indian classical dance forms. Her academic foundation includes: MA in Mass Communication (RTM Nagpur University) Bachelors in Electrical Engineering (RTM Nagpur University) Post Graduate Diploma (PGTD) in Cyber Law and Information Technology Specialization in Intellectual Property Rights Recent Notable Coverage Ankita’s reportage is recognized for its investigative depth and emphasis on accountability: Cyber Security: "Lost money to a scam? Act within the 'golden hour' or risk losing it all" — A deep dive into the critical window for freezing fraudulent transactions. Public Health: "From deep coma to recovery: First fully recovered Coldrif patient discharged" — Investigating the aftermath of pharmaceutical toxins and the healthcare response. Governance & Conflict: "Gadchiroli now looks like any normal city: SP Neelotpal" — An analysis of the socio-political shift in Maoist-affected regions. Signature Beat Ankita is best known for her ability to translate "technical jargon into human stories." Whether she is explaining how AI tools like MahaCrimeOS assist the police or exposing the dire conditions of wildlife transit centres, her writing serves as a bridge between specialized knowledge and everyday safety. Contact & Follow X (Twitter): @ankita_deshkar Email: ankita.deshkar@indianexpress.com ... Read More

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