Renowned Marathi scribe Nilkanth Khadilkar, father of chess prodigies 'Khadilkar sisters' dead

Mumbai, Nov 22 (IANS) Renowned Marathi journalist Nilkanth Khadilkar -- the father of India's formidable Chess prodigies called 'Khadilkar sisters' -- passed away following a brief illness here early on Friday morning, a family member said. He was 86.Khadilkar breathed his last at Lilavati Hospital around 1.20 a.m., he was the editor of the firebrand nearly century-old newspaper 'Navakal' (New Era) for over four decades, and feared for his stinging edits covering the political and social genres.Khadilkar is survived by his wife Mandakini and three daughters -- Vasanti, Jayshree Khadilkar-Pande who is now the editor of the daily and Rohini -- all three being legendary chess champions of India.Khadilkar's body will be kept for people to pay their last respects at the Navakal' Press, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. in Girgaum, said the family member.Later it will be taken in a procession for the last rites at Chandanwadi Crematorium at Marine Lines around 3 p.m.Former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan paid tributes to Khadilkar and recalled his long and sterling contribution to journalism.-
--IANS qn/in