Mahesh Dattani is an acclaimed Indian playwright, director, and filmmaker, known for his contributions to contemporary Indian theatre. Born on August 7, 1958, in Bangalore, he is recognized for addressing social issues, particularly those related to gender, sexuality, and identity in his works. Dattani's notable plays include Tara, Final Solutions, and Dance Like a Man, which have received critical acclaim and have been performed internationally. He was the first playwright in English to be awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1998, highlighting his significant impact on Indian literature and theatre.