Last Updated on: 28th December 2023, 08:22 pm
Who is Venu Chitale? Biography, Wiki
Venu Chitale, also known as Leela Ganesh Khare, led a multifaceted life as a writer, BBC radio broadcaster, and secretary to George Orwell. Born on December 28, 1912, in Shirol, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India, she passed away on January 1, 1995, in Mumbai.
Using the pen name Weenoo, she published her sole novel, “In Transit,” in 1950. Beyond her literary contributions, she played a pivotal role in India’s literary and cultural scene, advocating for women’s education and empowerment.
Early Life and Education
Venu, born as Venu Dattatreye Chitale, hailed from a progressive family in Shirol. Raised by her older siblings after her parents’ early demise, she demonstrated an early interest in languages, literature, and the arts.
She faced discrimination during her studies at Wilson College in Mumbai, where she pursued English literature and history. Actively involved in the Indian independence movement, she endured a six-month imprisonment for participating in the Quit India Movement in 1942.
Short Bio And Some Quick Facts
| Real Name | Venu Chitale |
| Famous Name | Leela Ganesh Khare, Weenoo |
| DOB | December 28, 1912 |
| Died On | January 1, 1995 (82 years) |
| Place of Birth | Shirol, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Occupation | Writer, broadcaster, secretary to George Orwell |
| Language | English, Hindustani, Marathi |
| Education | Huzurpaga, Wilson College, University College London, Oxford University |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Ethnicity | Marathi |
| Notable Works | In Transit (1950) |
| Husband | Ganesh Khare |
| Children | Nandini Apte |
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches |
| Weight | 50-55 kg |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Net Worth (As of 2023) | Update Soon |
| Category | Biography |
Academic Pursuits
Graduating in 1933, she received a scholarship to study at University College London, later completing her master’s in English literature. At Oxford University, she obtained a diploma in education in 1937. During her time in England, she met her future husband, Ganesh Khare.
Career Highlights
Venu commenced her career as a teacher in London in 1938. In 1941, she joined the BBC, becoming one of the first Indian women to work for the organization. Simultaneously, she served as secretary to George Orwell, contributing to his literary endeavors and sharing his political and social views.
In 1945, she published “In Transit” under the pen name Weenoo. The novel explored themes of identity, alienation, racism, sexism, and colonialism, earning acclaim for its originality and insight.
Returning to India in 1946 with her husband and daughter, Nandini, Venu continued her work as a BBC radio broadcaster in Mumbai. She immersed herself in the Indian literary and cultural scene, contributing to various publications and founding the literary magazine, The Indian Pen.
Legacy and Death Cause
Venu Chitale passed away on January 1, 1995, leaving behind a rich legacy. Survived by her husband and daughter, she was a trailblazer in women’s empowerment and a significant figure in Indian literature.
Her daughter, Nandini Apte, followed in her footsteps, becoming a writer and journalist. Venu’s contributions were posthumously honored by a Google Doodle on December 28, 2023, celebrating her 111th birthday.
Husband and Children
Venu married Ganesh Khare in 1936, and the couple adopted the surname Khare. They had a daughter, Nandini Apte, born in 1944, who later authored a biography of her mother titled “Venu: A Life in Letters” in 1997.
Google Doodle Tribute
On December 28, 2023, Google Doodle commemorated Venu Chitale’s 111th birthday, recognizing her as a writer, broadcaster, and friend of Orwell. The doodle featured a portrait of Venu, accompanied by symbols representing her life and work, along with a quote from “In Transit”: “Life is a journey, not a destination.”
Ethnicity, and Nationality
Venu Chitale was of Indian nationality and Marathi ethnicity, adhering to Hindu traditions.
Height, and Weight
Standing at 5 feet 4 inches, she weighed between 50-55 kg.
Net Worth
While her net worth remains undisclosed, Venu likely earned a substantial income from her diverse professional roles, encompassing writing, broadcasting, teaching, editing, and translating.
| Homepage | theeducationisthub.com |
| Update Soon | |
| Update Soon | |
| www.instagram.com/explore/tags/venuchitale |
