Pu La Deshpande
The best-loved Marathi humorist, writer, actor and musician. Generations of Maharashtrians grew up with his stories.
Quick facts
- Born:
- 1919, Mumbai
- Pune link:
- Lived in Pune for many years
- Known for:
- Vyakti ani Valli, Batatyachi Chal
- Died:
- 2000, Pune
Life and work
Purushottam Laxman Deshpande, known to everyone as Pu La, was a writer, playwright, actor, music composer and harmonium player. His humorous books, such as Vyakti ani Valli and Batatyachi Chal, and his one-man shows made him the most loved writer in Marathi.
Pune link
He spent many years of his life in Pune, where he also gave large sums to social causes with his wife Sunitabai. The Pu La Deshpande garden (the Japanese garden) on Sinhagad Road is named after him.
More in Pune's Pride
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Mahatma Jyotirao Phule
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Savitribai Phule
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Sources: Written by PuneDiary. Facts checked 10 October 2026.