1) Allah Ho Akbar :
Man controls nothing: everything is pre-ordained. This fatalistic vein is
captured in Allah Ho Akbar, Phadke's first novel. In this 1976 edition, in an
elaborate preface, Phadke writes:
"The joy of the first love, the first kiss, the first embrace, and the
first coming
together is unique. And so, following that logic, it is no surprise that
an author
feels the same way about his first creation: be it a story, a play, or a
novel.
When I consider, from my
position as a novelist today, the novel, I realize
my feelings towards it are such ...."
Mary Corely's 'Temporal Power' has been the source of this story based in
Mughal times. As the first creation of an immensely popular novelist, the novel
holds a unique position.
2) Kulabyachi Dandi
The novel traces the successful and unsuccessful progression of a
contemporary love triangle in a college setting. It is written as a first person
narrative. It showed that a love story could be an apt subject for a novel. And
the "Love Story" in Marathi literature was born. Phadke's novel brought into
Marathi stylist language, realistic descriptions of Nature, clearly etched
characters, and crisp dialogue.
3) Jaadugaar
Jaadugaar traces the transformation in a woman embittered for several
reasons against the male of the species. It created a craze among readers and
catapulted Phadke to fame. His later novels were to trace every nuance of the
character mindset, but Jaadugaar already showed a foretaste of what was to come.
Marathi readers were treated to sweet language, characters that stood out, and
crisp dialogue, perhaps for the first time, thus winning their hearts.
4) Daulat
Mans involvement by professional concerns and the ensuing separation from
family drives him away from happiness. But the wealth of joy that can be derived
from maintaing good family bonds is showcased in the novel Daulat. Daulat shows
off the style of Phadke's language, and this novel convinced readers that his
novels must be read, if only for the sheer pleasure of the language.
At the 1929 Belgaum conference, Shivram Paranjape described Phadke as
"the magician who strews wealth at the court of the Marathi language". The
success of Daulat lies in its language, as also in the arrangement of the plot
line, the vivid characters, the witty dialogue; all of which whet the readers'
appetites.
5) Atakepaar
A young Brahmin boy born to a hide-bound family and an ambitious Muslim
girl from a rich family fall in love. The situation of conflict between two
cultures, two points of views, and two generations and the havoc brought about:
such is the novel Atakepaar.
Mutual love is the only foundation of marital happiness: Phadke had
already enunciated this principle in Kulabyyachi Dandi, Jaadugaar, and Daulat.
This principle reaches its climax in Atakepaar. Religion, upbringing, values, is
innate to marital bonds. The story of Sudhir and Meena, with the attendant
problems opened the eyes of the keepers of faith!
6) Niranjan
A young girl involved with a
married man, their attempts at self-control and the obvious caving-in of their
resolve: mental tension at its best in Niranjan.
Natural lust and longing and its inevitable results are the novel's
salient points.
7) Kalanka-Shobha
Kalanka-Shobha is a love
story. It involves the sacrifice of self to save a loved one from blame in a
heinous crime. And later, when the truth is revealed, the shame turns out to be
an adornment to the reputation of the one who is prepared to sacrifice!
There is no burning question here, nor is there any sociological problem.
It is the story of Shashikant, who accepts blame in place of his childhood
friend Mohan.
8) Uddhar
A young girl who seeks financial independence as a pre-requisite to
personal upliftment realizes that for women's emancipation social moves must
change. Phadke has made considerable strides in the writing of this novel. His
portrayal of Vidya, the heroine, with her resolve, here mind-set and her
desires, is effective.
9) Asha
A hedonist youth and an idealistic young woman find love against a
backdrop of satyagraha. Phadke's imaginary satyagraha at Talwali is similar to
the factual events of Mulshi and brings to life the conflict between idealistic
and power-driven youth in a most interesting manner.
10) Kashmiri Gulab
Physical beauty, normally a woman's adornment, may sometimes be a curse,
leading her to face difficulties. Kashmiri gulab tells such a story. Phadke
writes this anecdotal novel in a new style, with conscious use of technique,
enhancing the novel's readability. The constant pace of the plot and events in
the story are the novel's chief merits.
11) Pravasi
This novel traces the life journey of a youth born with a set of
strengths and weaknesses, and his constant unsuccessful struggle against
circumstance. The vagaries of human existence, and the attendant ambiguity are
very deftly portrayed. Punjabrao Saranjame is an unforgettable character in
Marathi literature: Punjabrao is by no means a common name but the skill with
which Phadke delineates this character shows his ability, pride, tenacity and
carelessness as an important addition to literatures for he is a timeless
creation.
12) Samar-bhoomi
The successful love story of a youth dabbling in politics and a young
woman who enters his life. The novel depicts events after the 1930 salt March
and the Socialist movement that grew soon afterward.
13) Unmaad
The story of one fired up by ideas: ideas that create a remarkable life
full of joys and sorrows. In Abasaheb, Phadke has created a headstrong, proud
man who goes through life with love and obstinacy, sometimes tenderness and
carelessness. The tide of circumstance, both of his own making almost, shows how
he is a creation of his own making.
14) Gupt Prayaschit
This novel tells the story of a person who tries to hide his own terrible
deeds but succumbs to the guilt, which ruins his life. It is a translation of
Vicki Baum's Secret Sentence.
15) Indradhanush
This novel describes how a young girl is repulsed by the idea of physical love even in the prime of her youth but later reconciles. A challenging story line , handled very delicately by Phadke again as he had done in deftly handling a similar subject in “Jadugaar”
16) Pratidnya
The love story of a man who believes women are a hindrance to man's
progress and the daughter of a revolutionary who believes in armed violence. The
novel reveals the principles of the R.S.S. and the fundamental right to bear
arms.
17) Wadal
The saga of an impassioned communist who is utterly disillusioned by the
power-struggles, petty politics and intrigues within the party workers.
This is inspired from John Valtin's 'Out of the Night'. John Valtin is the
pseudonym of Richard J. Krebs. It is not a novel, it is history. But the style
is unmistakable. And Phadke deserves full credit, as any reader of the original
autobiography will find.
18) Shakuntal
The story of a woman who marries in haste, believing she will never be
able to have the man she truly loves. It shows the struggle faced by a girl who
is a patriot in her own way. The novel analyzes these struggles minutely, in
Phadke's own style.
19) Akherche Band
The story of Rohini, who rebels once she discovers her own sister, is the
impediment to her love. Until her rebellion, she has been content looking after
the family, putting up with her competent, yet whimsical, father. Rohini faces
life bravely, sacrifices her own joy for others, accepts their errors, and holds
duty above all else. She has here own place among Phadke's heroines. The novel
too, has its own place in Marathi literature.
20) Bus Number Bara
The story of a successful meeting between a girl seeking employment and a
smart young man she meets. Close observation and definite character development
make this novel successful.
21) Jeevan Sangeet
The effects of world war on a simple family and the realization of
human values that the situation brings. A translation of William Saroyan's
'Human Comedy'.
22) Majha Dharm
Depicts a young couple who truly comprehend what love is and are prepared
to do everything for their love. Shrirang and Malini are the young lovers. By
making their union seem inevitable, the novelist has endeavored himself and his
style. Phadke's skillful, sweet language impels the reader to go through to the
finish, and the novel does touch the reader's heart.
23) Zanzawat
The story of young people caught up in the politically vibrant years of
the 1942 movement.
24) Anjali
Shows the satisfaction that can be had by resisting temptation
rather than letting passions and desires take control of your life.
The novel has its own place not only among Phadke's novels but also in
Marathi literature for its strong portrayals.
25) Jhelum
The story has the Kashmir conflict as its backdrop. It recounts the
rebirth of Kashmir, which remains a burning topic facing India.
Phadke's ace of trumps is his style: here he gives ample evidence of his
writing skills.
26] Patang
The novel
depicts a loving, intelligent girl whose life is disturbed by a decision taken
by an immature, obstinate mind. The effective style engrosses the reader in a
gripping plot.
27] Hasu Ani Asu
The tragic
story, set in a circus setting, outlines the vagaries of every day life and
traces the lives of several characters. It shows how joys and sorrows arise from
circumstances and people and this with great skill. It is a fitting response to
Phadke's critics who blame him for being superficial.
The novel is a gem
in the Phadke canon: it merits high praise for its minute depiction of
life.
28]
Ujadale ! Pan Surya
Kuthe Ahe ?
A tale based on Gandhi's murder
- it tells the story of contemporary characters the life of a person in pre and
post murder times. It is in some ways a political novel in which the politics of
the day and private lives are intertwined skillfully, but is also worthy of the
label "creative novel".
29] Bharatichi Lat
The feelings of love are like a tidal force -
which cannot be kept in check. It is the story of artistic "highs" and
uncontrollable love. The novel is decked with some of Phadke's finest touches.
The novel's success lies in its ability to create "rasa" in the minds of
readers, and for transporting readers to new heights of artistic
expression.
30]
Khelni
The story of a
sexually obsessed, perverse, woman and the man whose life she destroys.
31]
Sitara Manzil
Based on the
famous Razakar movement in Hyderabad. Appropriate language, the finer points of
the Hyderabadi idiolect mixed with Urdu and the shattered lives of affected
people are skillfully mixed to make the novel very interesting.
32]
Sarita Sagar
The artist who
brings joy to people may himself be very sad. The novel tells the story of an
ugly artist and his good-looking but blind lover.
The effective,
pleasant, language, the Goan characters, the deft portrayal of ambience and
society make for a heart-warming depiction.
33]
Haak
Unexpected love
--- followed by an unexpected break-up and a coming together again: such is the
story of Haak. Phadke always mounts tension and its slaking to fever pitch. The
story moves swiftly to the end where the hero Prasanna, who has had an accident,
and the heroine Sheela do meet but fail to recognize each other.
34]
Sushama
This is the story
of a woman who revels in the maternal emotions rather than in finding her love.
The unconventional story shows the triumph of maternalism over love, and it has
a special place in the Phadke canon. His technical skills bring out the conflict
between flawed love and flawless maternal feelings very effectively.
35] Chahul
The novel speaks
of the complete transformation of personality when one is touched by love. It
depicts love as a powerful emotion which literally washes the pettiness of one's
mind away. Simple, everyday life has been skillfully used to advantage. The
numerous incidents in one building --- Chandraniwas --- show how one locale can
be used from different perspectives by a good author.
36] Shikaar
Tthe tale of a man who sabotaged his brother's
life in every possible way, who was obliged to pay for his sins with his own
life. A gripping tale: Shikaar. A tale of poetic justice well deserved !
37] Ishaara
The story of a
woman who yearned to be rich: forgetting the satisfaction to be gleaned from
life of poverty. The reader feels the smart of true tragedy at the end of this
novel. The ending is, after all, suitable to the plot. Phadke unerringly points
out his characters' weaknesses. And he shows that a novel can be deliberately
written with a definite message.
38] Udyaachi Baat
The story of a man
who is dissatisfied at home, seeks solace elsewhere, but is driven back home by
remorse.
39,40, 41]
Shonan, Usman, Toofan
A trilogy about
Subhashchandra Bose and his clarion call for Indian independence. The novel is
important, not for the plot, but for its depiction of the times: the ambience,
the aggravation, and the tension. Inspired by the freedom struggle, Bose started
his movement in the Far East and the novel's vast scope of action does justice
to his efforts.
The readers feel
they are watching events unfold.
The trilogy,
read in sequence, shows Bose's patriotism, his tenacity and will to succeed. His
followers' enthusiasm for the cause, and the historically significant times of
the freedom struggle are carefully "shown" in the novels.
42]
Bharari
The conflict
between bigoted society and an unconventional artist, whose life is ruined,
because of his love. The reader feels that an artist's life is bound to be a
struggle, against poverty, against society. In reality, the story is one of a
rebellious son, but the portrayal of society that emerges from Phadke's masterly
pen-stroke is very vivid.
The novel begins
at the end of the story and the use of rewinding the action shows what a
technician Phadke was !
43]
Jakham
The effects of
trauma at a vulnerable age and its effects on an entire life, the bitterness,
the hurt can only be washed away by true love.
44] Wede Ware
Love is a mad
whirlwind that does not distinguish between good or bad. Sacrifice can be
powerful an emotion as love. This novel tells the story of one swept away by
these powerful emotions.
The tale, narrated
in first person, is especially effective because of the myriad ways in which
love is depicted.
45] Jahar
Jahar recounts how
stolen love is never sweet but is always poisonous.
46] Rutusamhar
Fate always
supports those who endure difficulties and notoriety for their love.
The plot unfolds
revealing the conflict in the hero's mind. And the difficulties he faces make
his moods resemble the various seasons of the Indian calendar.
The writing is
powerful and the virtuosity of the novelist is awe-inspiring.
47] Bhowara
Fate and
circumstances conspire to wrest away human life in a seething cauldron, thus
undermining his resolve. This tale makes the reader doubt the existence of human
resolve. The plot of this novel is fast-paced and exciting. The reader is swept
away up to the end. The characters are warm, the dialogue touching, and the
personalities attractive.
48] Dhoka
Love alone does not make a happy marriage. The husband cannot spend enough time with his wife. Her solitude and disappointment wither away her love and come close to destroying the marriage.
49] Nirmalya
The story of a man who could never do what he wanted, who was always at the mercy of events, who never had feelings for anybody.
50] Kuhu ! Kuhu !
Man has to face difficulties, accept defeat, sorrow and disappointment. But he never gives up. For his hope is eternal. The winters of disappointment are followed by summers of hope. Life is bearable because of hope.
Stylish language,
punchy plot, and skillful narration make the reader become absorbed in the
reading, and the novel reveals life in effective ways.
51) Kathputli
Man believes he can attain whatever happiness he desires by
behaving according to his whims. But when he does so, he realizes he is not the
creator of his happiness, he is just a means to it. This novel shows how man is
but a puppet whose strings are controlled by destiny.
52) Hi Ka Kalpadrumachi
Phale?
This novel traces the differences between the pre-and post-Independence perceptions of an idealist. It illuminates clearly how principles are being eroded, and is the story of the joys and sorrows of a great soul.
Phadke has more than adequately answered those critics who
said he could not deal with life's serious issues. The novel's ability to do so
cannot be questioned.
The novel is not even 225 pages long, but the depiction of
a half-century of erosion of human values evokes respect. Technically, the novel
is without fault, but is also adept at description and characterization. And the
merits of this novel leave no doubt that it must be counted among Phadke's best
novels.
53) Triveni
The story of a girl, who is deprived of affection in her
youth and is hence jealous. When she is afflicted by the pain of unrequited
love, she helps her loving father achieve his.
Phadke paints this picture with a caring hand. It is
the self controlled, story of the love of Jayant and Aruna. Although different
from run-of-the-mill love stories, Phadke's writing shows how this subject can
be handled with dignity and paise.
54) Swapnanche
Setu
Disreputable people crave respectability and respectful
people long for the celebrity and wealth that they do not have. This story
depicts the terrible life that greed can bring.
Predictably, the story has a tragic end, but the
reader is left under a dark cloud of the vicissitudes of human life. And this
makes the novel effective.
55)
Amrutaatehi paijasi Jinke !
The story of selfless love : love that finds comfort in the well-being of a loved one. It is a happy-ended version of A.J. cronin's The Judas Tree
56)
Chandani.
A person who leads a blameless life, with pure intellect,
noble heart, who can do no wrong –only such a person can sight the star at the
base of the Rohini constellation . Phadke has effectively brought the the
evil tendencies in the society by
revolving the story around this fantastic idea..
Phadke paints a grim picture of social realities but
also uncovers the delicate layers of Chintamani and Rohini, his delicate
protagonists. The end of the novel is very telling and sets the reader wondering
about there coming together; a masterful handling.
57) Ti kashi
? Tu kashi ?
The novel traces the apparently divergent life-paths of a
mother daughter pair of film stars.
58) Ek hota
yuwaraj
A story set in the old princely states, which tell of an
upright princeling who lived by his own rules in his later years. Phadke has
deftly evoked the hedonism of the times, along with the stifling atmosphere,
palace intrigues and polical maneuvers.
59)
Basari
The story of eternal love, wherein true lovers overcome
separation by death to come together albeit beyond human comprehension. The
beginning of the novel is very interesting; the end is full of mystery and
touching. Phadke had never used the occult to its full effect and this makes the
novel noteworthy.
60) Man
shuddha tujhe
Man faces the constant dilemma of how he should behave. He
is often told to act according to his convictions, for such behaviour will bring
happiness. The novel describes what happened to a young girl who did just
that.
The narration of the novel is its best feature, and Phadke
maintains the flow of events even as he speaks of the storms arising in the
minds of Anuradha & Sultana.
61) Tarang
The live story of a girl destined to face sorrow; whose
joys are sacrificed to the troubles she has. The narration, descriptions of
people and places, acute observation and imagery make the novel highly
effective. And the thought "Is nothing else as important as love." Its is a
first in the Phadke canon.
62) Geet
june, sur nave.
A story of coincidences in the life of a young woman.
Speaking of human joys and sorrows, Phadke says, "none can tell where this life
begins … or ends … the song continues, and everyone brings along their own note
at girth. This new note renews the old song."
63) Gagani ugavala sayantara
Every page is deftly crafted, the language is
superlative.
64)
Purushjanma, hi tujhi kahani.
The novel reveals an eternal problem faced by man. Phadke
paints an effective picture of a man's life made turbulent by a curse.
65) Kiti
Jawal, Kiti dur
The novel, with its tracing of adolescent minds, is
especially to be noted for its world-vision.
66)
Chadravarche daag
67) Rahe manat gypsy
These novel describe the upheavals in the lives of lovers
in Phake's usual, interesting style.
68) Mazha
bakul, mazha praan
The novel is based on the love bond between mother and son.
A grief-stricken mother turns to sin to ensure that her dead son should attain rebirth in her
womb.
69) Asaahi
ek trikon
Two women, one man or one woman, two men form the standard
novelistic triangle. But Phadke has set up a novel triangle – one born of
struggle between father and son! The subject makes the novel stand out.
70) Heera jo bhangala
Milind changes his path once he knows his lover has
discovered the secret of his birth. But the new path is also refused to him and
his life turns tragic. Phadke's wordomithy makes interesting reading.
71)
Lagnagaathi padtat swargaat :
The story of
the triumphs of failures joys and sorrows of a woman's life. The novel shows how
marriage-ties are bound in Heaven. A simple love story well told.
72)
Bajirao
Depicts the maelstrom of human jealousy and enmity.
73)
Jugaar
The story of conflict between artist Nandlal and his
daughter Charulata. A powerful depiction of human joys and suffering
74) Hemu
Bhupali
In this, his last novel, Phadke has captured the entwined
lives of three friends who grow up in three separate circumstances and are bound
by pure love. The novel is full of the event in Hemu's life.