At only seven years old, Kripalu (whose given name was Saraswatichandra but was called Narayan) lost his father. The year was 1920 and the already impoverished family of nine children was thrown into financial turmoil.

Years later, he could still sadly recall seeing all their possessions piled in the street when their home was taken from them.

Despite being a brilliant student and avid reader, he was forced to leave formal schooling in the seventh grade to help support his mother and sisters. Over the years he held a variety of low-paying jobs, but his talents always led him to work as a dramatist, poet and composer.

His plays and musical compositions were of such high caliber, he decided to move to the bustling city of Bombay at 18 to seek his fortune. Things did not go well in the big city and by his 19th birthday, Kripalu was out of money and in the depths of despair.