Purushottam Laxman Deshpande, commonly known as Pu La Deshpande, was a prominent Marathi writer, humorist, and playwright from India. He was celebrated for his wit, humor, and keen observations of life and society. If you have any specific questions or topics related to Pu La Deshpande that you’d like to explore, please feel free to ask, and I’ll be happy to provide more information.
Books by Pu La Deshpande
Humour
- Golabereej (गोळाबेरीज) – 1960
- AghaL-PaghaL (अघळ-पघळ) – 1998
- Marathi Vangmayacha (Galeev) Itihas (मराठी वाङ्‌मयाचा (गाळीव) इतिहास) – 1970
- Khogirbharati (खोगीरभरती) – 1950
- Hasavnuk (हसवणूक) – 1968
- Batatyachi Chaal (बटाट्याची चाळ)
- Khilli (खिल्ली) – 1984
- Asa mi Asami (असा मी असामी) – 1964
- UralaSurala (उरलंसुरलं) – 1999
- Purchundi (पुरचुंडी) – 1999
Travelogues
- Vangachitre (वंगचित्रे) – 1974
- Apoorvai (अपूर्वाई) – 1960
- Poorvarang (पूर्वरंग) -1963
- Jaave Tyanchya Desha (जावे त्यांच्या देशा) – 1974
Adaptations
- Kay Wattel Te Hoeel (काय वाट्टेल ते होईल) – 1962…translation of Helen and George Papashvily‘s Anything Can Happen
- Eka Koliyane (एका कोळीयाने) – 1965…translation of Ernest Hemingway‘s The Old Man and the Sea
- Kanhoji Angre (कान्होजी आंग्रे)(Translation of English novel “Maratha Admiral Kanhoji Angre” by Manohar Malgoankar)
- Poravay (पोरवय) –1995… translation of “Chhelebela” By Ravindranath Tagore
Biographies (व्यक्तिचित्रं)
- Gangot (गणगोत) – 1966
- Gandhiji (गांधीजी) – 1970
- Guna Gaeen Awadi (गुण गाईन आवडी) – 1975
- Maitra (मैत्र) – 1989
- Apulki (आपुलकी) – 1998
Collection of Speeches
- Rasikaho! (रसिकहो!) – 1995
- Soojanaho! (सुजनहो!) -2002
- Mitra Ho! (मित्र हो!) – 1995
- Shrote Ho! (श्रोते हो!) -1996
- Speeches on radio and radio-plays – Parts 1 and 2 (रेडियोवरील भाषणे व श्रुतिका – भाग एक व दोन) – 2001
Humorous Essays
- Gacchi saha Zalich Pahije (गच्ची सह झालीच पाहिजे)
- Eka Raviwarchi Sakaal (एका रविवारची सकाळ)
- Maze Shahari Jeevan (माझे शहरी जीवन)
- Bigari Te Matric (बिगरी ते मॅट्रिक) – Hasavnuk (हसवणूक)
- Mumbaikar, Punekar Ka Nagpurkar? (मुंबईकर, पुणेकर का नागपूरकर?)
- Mhais (म्हैस) – Golabereej (गोळाबेरीज)
- Mi Ani Majha Shatrupaksha (मी आणि माझा शत्रुपक्ष) – Hasavnuk (हसवणूक)
- Paliv Pranee (पाळीव प्राणी) – Hasavnuk (हसवणूक)
- Kahi Nave Grahayog (काही नवे ग्रहयोग)
- Majhe Poshtik Jeewan (माझे पोष्टिक जीवन) – Hasavnuk (हसवणूक)
Other
- Vyakti Ani Valli (व्यक्ती आणि वल्ली) – 1962
- Ek Shunya Mee (एक शून्य मी) – 2001
- Chitramay Swagat (चित्रमय स्वगत) – 1996
- Pu. La. : Ek Sathawan (पु. ल : एक साठवण) – 1979
- Daad (दाद) – 1997
- Dwidal (द्विदल) – 2004
- Char Shabd (चार शब्द) – 1996
- Mukkam Shantiniketan (मुक्काम शांतिनिकेतन) – 2001
- Ravindranath : Teen Vyakhyane (रवीन्द्रनाथ : तीन व्याख्याने) – 1981
- Telephone-cha Janma (टेलिफोनचा जन्म)
- Kolhapur Darshan (Shriman Madan Mohan Lohiya Shashtyabdipurti nimitta abhinandan grantha) – 1971 .. Co-authored with Madanmohan Basantilal Lohia and Ganesh Rango Bhide.
Drama
- Tuka Mhane Ata (तुका म्हणे आता) – 1948
- Pudhari Pahije (पुढारी पाहिजॆ) – 1951
- Ammaldar (अंमलदार) – 1952…based on Nikolai Gogol‘s Inspector General
- Bhagyawan (भाग्यवान) – 1953
- Tujhe Ahe Tujhapashi (तुझें आहे तुजपाशीं) – 1957
- Sundar Mi Honar (सुंदर मी होणार) – 1958
- Pahila Raja/adhe Adhure (पहिला राजा/आधे अधूरे) – 1976…based on Jagadish Chandra Mathur’s Adhe Adhure
- Teen Paishancha Tamasha (तीन पैशांचा तमाशा) – 1978…based on Bertolt Brecht‘s The Three Penny Opera‘
- Ti Fulrani (ती फुलराणी) – 1975…based on George Bernard Shaw‘s Pygmalion
- Varyavarchi Varaat (वाऱ्यावरची वरात)
- Eka Jhunja Varyashi (एक झुंज वाऱ्याशीं) -1988… based on “The Last Appointment” By Vladin Dozortsev
- Vatvat Vatvat (वटवट वटवट) -1971
One-act plays
- Mothe Mase Aani Chhote Mase (मोठे मासे आणि छोटे मासे) – 1957
- Vitthal To Aala Aala (विठ्ठल तो आला आला) – 1961
- Aamhi Latike Na Bolu (आम्ही लटिके ना बोलू) – 1975
- Nasti Uthathev (नस्ती उठाठेव) – 1952
One-man stage shows
- Batatyachi Chaal (बटाट्याची चाळ) – 1958
- Asa Mi Asami (असा मी असामी)
- Hasawinyacha Majha Dhanda (हसविण्याचा माझा धंदा)
- Varyawarachi Varaat (वा-यावरची वरात) – A large part of this play is one man show.
Children’s plays
- Vay Motha Khota (वयं मोठं खोटं) – 1956
- Nave Gokul (नवे गोकुळ) – 1958
Pu La Deshpande was born on November 8, 1919, in Mumbai, India, and he passed away on June 12, 2000. He made significant contributions to Marathi literature and cultural life. Some of his most notable literary works and achievements include:
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Vyakti Ani Valli: This collection of character sketches is a reflection of his ability to capture the quirks and idiosyncrasies of various individuals in a humorous and insightful manner.
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Batatyachi Chal: This famous Marathi play, known for its humour and social commentary, remains one of his most celebrated works. It has been adapted into various forms of media.
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Asa Mi Asami: An autobiographical work where he shared his personal experiences and thoughts in a witty and relatable style.
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Ti Phulrani: This novel delves into the complexities of human relationships and remains a well-loved piece of Marathi literature.
Pu La Deshpande’s contributions extended beyond writing; he was also a talented actor and musician. He was known for his musical performances that combined humour and melody, making him a multifaceted entertainer.
His unique storytelling style and ability to connect with people through his writings and performances made him an iconic figure in Marathi culture. Even after his passing, his works continue to be celebrated and cherished by readers and audiences, keeping his legacy alive.
