Makarand Deshpande: ‘I Am In Talks For Another English film After ‘Monkey Man” (EXCLUSIVE)

Makarand Deshpande, the indefatigable actor-writer-producer-director; turned 60 yesterday (Mar. 6, 2026)! With over 170 films in eight languages: Hindi, Marathi (his mother-tongue), Gujarati, English, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam, around 90 short and full-length plays, multiple TV serials and web series: the man gives a new dimension to the term “prolific”.  He is also a singer-lyricist for 36 years now!

A conversation with him is replete with humor, positivity and practical statements that illuminate his unique personality. Read on…

How did you celebrate turning 60?

One must meet members of one’s family, so I did that! I visited a painting exhibition. I also had a taalim (rehearsal) session with members of Ansh, my theatre group. Then I had a get-together for all and tried to meet everyone who phoned to wish me. Also those have been my prerna-sthan (inspirations) and played a significant part in my yatra (journey).

Who are some of your inspirations?

My directors. My seniors like Ashutosh Gowariker, Ram Gopal Varma and Mahesh Bhatt, from whom I learnt a lot, are inspiring. One must also discuss with them what’s next. Life is all about what is to come. Beyond what has already taken place!

What about those close to you from the world of theatre?

There have been senior names like Dr. Anil Bandivadekar, Mahendra Joshi and Sabyasachi Deb Burman and among my contemporaries, there is Chandrakant Kulkarni.

Can you talk about Ansh creating original and unusual work using space, sound and actors themselves.

We believe in that completely! I write. direct, produce and act in all our plays and 99 percent of them are original! Some of my plays have been remade by others, like my play “Kasturi” is now in English. My “Sir Sir Sarla” has been remade in Gujarati and now there’s a plan for an English remake as well.

Almost 40 years in theatre and cinema. What have been the highs and lows?

There have been no lows, only highs! I have worked on stage in plays in Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati and English, in cinema in eight languages and in TV serials and web series. Overall, every phase has been golden! 

How has the theatrical scene changed over this long phase?

It has only increased and improved and grown. Initially, we had only one Chhabildas (an auditorium in Dadar, Mumbai), but now, there are over a 100 new auditoriums! The NMACC (Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre) is another great addition. Today, we have an auditorium for every size of play and audience. No one’s at a loss! 

Is producing a play financially viable?

Producing a play is easy for me. I keep earning from films and investing the money into theatre, so I don’t experience any difficulty!

You act across all mediums. So does your approach to acting change as per stage, big screen, TV or web?

(Ponders) Well, I use theatre in every medium! I put in the same spontaneity, enthusiasm, energy and discipline. Others get tired of rehearsals or retakes. I don’t!

Why are most of your roles in films almost like cameos?

Yes, I aim for small, almost cameo-like roles in films because that gives me more time for theatre. I even request some filmmakers to give me shorter roles!

Do you dub your South Indian films yourself?

No, I don’t dub for my South Indian films. Speaking the lines while shooting one has to manage! Khoob mehnat lagti hai, khoob mehnat (You need to put in a lot of hard work)!! So, I do say the lines they give me while shooting, but they get someone to dub, because the important thing is to get the accent right.

What difference has OTT made?

One can tackle different subjects that one can’t do in films or television, as there is no censorship. And there are no economic risks there.

Are you planning to write and direct for OTT?

I am going to only direct films as of now! 

In 23 years, you’ve directed five Hindi and one Marathi film, but they have all been offbeat. Why are you not working on commercial films?

I like to make offbeat movies! My thoughts go in that direction!  I am now doing a Malayalam film, talks are on for an English film again after “Monkey Man.” 

Do you recall how your acting innings began?

I started out with inter-university competitions, the Indian National Theatre and Unmesh in the 1980s. In cinema, I first acted in “Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak” in 1988. I started doing plays with Prithvi Theatre in 1990 and started my own company, Ansh Theatre Group, in 1993 with the Hindi play, “Dream Man.”  

Any more thoughts?

Bring peace into the world! Stop blaming others by saying “Tu chuklya aahes” (Marathi for “You are at fault”)! Everyone is responsible for everything. I hope people keep that in mind!

Finally, why did you never marry?

I like being single! That way, one is completely responsible for one’s life and no one else is! One also saves on a lot of energy.