Chandrakant Bakshi

Gujarati writer

Chandrakant Keshavlal Bakshi was an Indian Gujarati language author from Gujarat, India and a former Sheriff of Mumbai. He was known for his bold and new concepts in writing during his time in Gujarati literature. He is also addressed as Bakshi or Bakshibabu. Born in Palanpur, he completed higher education and had a business in Calcutta. He started writing there and later moved to Mumbai for his teaching career. He wrote 178 books, and wrote extensively in newspaper columns.

Chandrakant Bakshi was born on 20 August 1932 at Palanpur (now in Banaskantha district, Gujarat). He was in the textile business for twelve years and had a garment shop in Calcutta. He wrote his first short story Makan Nu Bhut (Ghost of the House) at this shop. He published his first book Padgha Doobi Gaya (Sunken Echoes) in 1957. He died on 25 March 2006 in Ahmedabad following a heart attack.

Bakshi prepared only one draft for his writings. His language was a mix up of Gujarati and Urdu words. His novels and stories had impact of existentialism, his characters are suffering and frustrated yet surviving. Ekra (1963) is one such example. In his novels, the story was a chief element. He rejected social and literary taboos in his novels but his works were concerned for readers. He freely borrowed words and phrases from Hindi, Urdu and English in his works. He wrote historical fiction like Atitvan and Ayanvritta. His short stories have themes like complexities of urban life, emotional outbursts, and the atmosphere of war. He wrote extensively on history and culture. According to Rediff, his writing was 'sharp and brutal' when he criticised people he disliked. His biography Bakshinama was partially published in serialised form in Gujarati daily Samkalin. Some parts were not published due to its violent imagery like urinating on the dead body of his enemy.

He wrote weekly columns in several Gujarati newspapers and magazines including Divya Bhaskar, Gujarat Samachar, Sandesh, Mid Day, Chitralekha.

His popular short story 'એક સાંજની મુલાકાત ' (One evening visit) was adapted into a telefilm "Ek Shaam Ki Mulakaat" by Tigmanshu Dhulia. It was the first episode of acclaimed Indian television series Star Bestsellers, aired on Star Plus in 1999–2000. The main leads were played by Irrfan Khan and Tisca Chopra.

His short story Kutti was banned by the Government of Gujarat and an arrest warrant was issued against him; so he fought a court case against the government. They later withdrew all charges against him.

He married Bakula, who died in 2002. Their daughter Reeva Bakshi lives in Ahmedabad. His elder brother Lalit and younger brother Bakul, a retired I. A. S. officer, are also columnists.