V.D. Trivadi (1927–1985) was a renowned Indian humorist, poet, and playwright in English. He was well known for his middles and columns and satirical poems in 'The Times of India,' and was widely regarded as the Art Buchwald or Russell Baker of India. As an essayist, he was considered 'innovative, attractive, lively and very readable.'
Born in Madras, Trivadi started writing at a very early age, and was first published at 12 initially under the name, T.V. Dattatreyan. On his first visit to Bombay, the publisher of The Illustrated Weekly was quite surprised to find out that one of the significant contributors to his magazine was quite young. C.R. Mandy, the respected formidable Irish editor of The Illustrated Weekly of India saw the potential brilliance of the young Trivadi and published many of his first poems and articles. Some poems were filled with symbolism and others filled with wit and candor.
Trivadi's rare genius was discovered at a very early age. While at school, he was referred to as 'a young Shakespeare.' Trivadi later studied at the Madras Christian College where he was considered truly gifted. J R Macphail, an English professor and educator, revered by many, recognized Trivadi's unique talent and brilliant writing. Some say that Trivadi's rare genius would have blossomed under England's literary scene for he truly belonged in the company of great English writers from different generations. Indeed, he lived in a different world—in a more intellectual and literary realm. Yet his world was also an irreverent one where his satirical humor enlivened and mocked the social and political scene of his time.
Some compared Trivadi to Ogden Nash; others to P.G. Wodehouse himself. (Article, 'Humor never ever dies.) Such was his humor, his nonsensical verse, limericks and poems. His articles proliferated SPAN, a publication of the American embassy, where he was an editor. Some believed his quick-witted writing to be quite English; his youthful spirit and direct observations, quite American; and his contemporary references and quips, peculiarly local. His inimitable style and unique characterization of quaint terms and the peculiar caricatures that he created in his articles were extremely popular. Upon invitation, a review or two made its way to serve just deserts to the local stage and its performers. It was his satirical articles however that made the day for a lot of his readers. It is said that many considered their morning cup of coffee incomplete without Trivadi's everyday mock-serious articles in the Times of India.
His writing career spanned over 40 years and a range of genres. Considered India's best humorist of his time, in fact, in many ways ahead of his times, Trivadi achieved limelight and fame during his life. He was always mildly surprised when he met a fan despite its daily occurrence. Considered by many as a pioneer in book publishing, advertising, and public relations in India, he connected well-deserved talent to publishing houses like Random House. (Ruskin Bond on Trivadi, A View From the Top.)
Primarily of a literary bent, Trivadi was also regarded as someone who tried to establish a first in many areas of book publishing and advertising. As a journalist and editor at newspapers, he wrote articles and editorials that garnered a worldwide fan base and following. His humor and larger-than-life persona led to invitations to attend conferences and universities in many countries. His poetry collection Silver Box, Mail Box was included as part of the curriculum at Oxford University in the UK. Professor Dr. J.I. Hans Bakker of the Guelph University, Ontario, Canada, acknowledged Trivadi as a 'true friend and boon companion' in his publication on the 'Gandhian Approach to Swadeshi or Appropriate Technology' that he dedicated to Trivadi's memory.
Trivadi succumbed to a massive heart attack at the age of 56. Even when suddenly taken ill, he is said to have quipped, "I cannot die yet; I have tickets to the movies." His death occurred before a planned trip as a distinguished guest to Universities abroad.
Trivadi will be remembered for his imaginative genius and sharp wit, his ingenious use of words, and his ability to humorously mock at all things serious leaving his followers captivated with every twist and turn of his phrase.
In addition to his pieces for The Times of India, Trivadi's work includes the following: