Makarand Deshpande is a phenomenal actor who is also involved in writing, direction and production of plays and films in Hindi and Marathi. Known for his quirky and eccentric personality and roles to match, he gave impressive performances in Hindi films like Jungle, Sarfarosh, Swades, Makdee, and Darna Zaroori Hai. He also has 40 original plays to his credit and believes that theatre is his true calling. His drama group Ansh recently completed 21 years in active theatre. Among his plays, Sir Sir Sarla is the most acclaimed and loved one. Deshpande, who puts most of his earnings from movies and television into his plays, says that sponsorship is the need of the hour and government and corporate funding can keep the art of theatre alive.


Acting, writing or directing?
Acting in theatre. There is so much that theatre has to offer when you are in front of the audience. You are not dependent on the camera or the set. It is just the audience and me. It is my date with my audience

A movie role I enjoyed playing: The advocate in Satya

The play I enjoyed directing: Ravindranath Tagore’s Chitra with Kay Kay Menon and Sanjana Kapoor

My favourite dialogue: “Tu apun ka dhanda samjha hi nahi. Ek jayega toh sab jayega” (from Satya)

Greatest influence in my life: My mother

A role I aspire to play: Something like a comic villain

My favourite pastime: Sitting at Prithvi Theatre

My comfort food: Biscuits

A holiday destination I want to visit: Austria

I take care of my health by: I breathe well

A memorable incident: The  Michael Jackson concert in Mumbai

My secret desire: To be an astronaut

What is the real Makarand Deshpande like?   Easy

At present I am busy with:  I have written two plays and currently working on them. I am also trying to raise money for a film

My greatest learning: Don’t over-value art over life

My dreams for Ansh: Ansh building its own theatre

I want to be remembered as: a person