Purushottam Laxman Deshpande
- Born:
- November 8, 1919, Mumbai, India
- Died:
- June 12, 2000, Pune, India
- Nationality:
- Indian
- Profession(s):
- Writer, Musician, Composer, Actor, Film Director, Philanthropist
Early Life and Education
- Born into a Maharashtrian Brahmin family with a strong musical background.
- Received early musical training from his father, Laxman Deshpande.
- Studied at Ismail Yusuf College, Mumbai.
- Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Law degree.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his career as a school teacher.
- Worked as a college lecturer in Marathi literature.
- Gained popularity as a stage performer, musician, and humorist.
- Hosted the inaugural television program on Doordarshan, India's national broadcaster.
- Directed and acted in several Marathi films.
- Composed music for numerous films and stage productions.
- Published numerous books, essays, and plays in Marathi.
- Became renowned for his one-man stage shows, known as "Batatyachi Chaal".
- Known for his insightful social commentary and humorous observations on everyday life.
Notable Works
Books
- Batatyachi Chaal
- ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿ आणि वल्ली (Vyakti Ani Valli)
- Purushottam Laxman Deshpande's 'Ahe Manohar Tari...'
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Shree Pundalik | Director | Marathi Film |
| 1956 | Gulacha Ganapati | Director, Actor, Music Director | Marathi Film |
| 1964 | Varyavarchi Varaat | Director, Actor | Marathi Film |
Music Composition (Selected)
- Numerous Marathi Film Songs
- Background scores for stage plays
Legacy and Impact
Purushottam Laxman Deshpande, often referred to as P.L. Deshpande or simply "P.L.", was a towering figure in Marathi literature, music, and theatre. This concise limpuro biography only scratches the surface of his multifaceted career. His work continues to entertain and inspire generations with its humor, wit, and social relevance. He is remembered for his significant contributions to Marathi culture and his philanthropic efforts.