P L Deshpande Books [2021] Review

Purushottam Laxman Deshpande , affectionately known by his initials (पु. ल.), remains the most beloved figure in Marathi literature . A multifaceted artist—writer, musician, playwright, and actor—his books have achieved a cult-like status in Maharashtra for their wit, keen observation, and deep humanism.

: Published in 1999, this book is a collection of memories and essays. Notably, it contains the story "Balpanicha Kaal Sukhacha," in which he lovingly describes his first eight years of childhood in the Saraswati Baug Colony in Mumbai.

Purushottam Laxman Deshpande, affectionately known across Maharashtra and the world as , remains one of the most celebrated pillars of Marathi literature. A true polymath, Deshpande was a humorist, playwright, actor, musician, and orator. His writing captures the unique quirks, vulnerabilities, and warmth of middle-class Indian life. For anyone looking to dive into Marathi literature, his books offer an unmatched blend of sharp wit, deep empathy, and timeless cultural insights.

), was a luminary in Marathi literature, a master storyteller, humorist, playwright, musician, and orator. His books are not merely written words; they are an experience, a mirror to Marathi culture, and a comforting embrace of wit and nostalgia. Even decades after his passing, his works remain perennial bestsellers in Maharashtra, cherished by young and old alike. p l deshpande books

This book is a delightful and nostalgic portrayal of life in Mumbai’s quintessential middle-class "chawls" (communal housing) in the mid-20th century.

P.L. Deshpande (affectionately known as ) was a legendary Marathi writer whose works are celebrated for their observational humor, wit, and deep human insight. His writing is often compared to P.G. Wodehouse for its unique ability to turn everyday middle-class life into a "riot of laughter". Key Books and Reviews

| | Title in Marathi (Transliteration) | English Translation / Notes | | ----------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 1948 | तुका म्हणे आता (Tuka Mhane Ata) | A one-act play | | 1949 | खोगीरभरती (Khogirbharati) | A collection of 17 humorous stories based on social observations | | 1951 | पुढारी पाहिजे (Pudhari Pahije) | A one-act play | | 1952 | अंमलदार (Ammaldar) | A play based on Nikolai Gogol's The Inspector General | | 1952 | नस्ती उठाठेव (Nasti Uthathev) | A comedy book | | 1956 | वयं मोठं खोटं (Wayam Motham Khotam) | An early, critically acclaimed work by Deshpande | | 1957 | मोठे मासे आणि छोटे मासे (Mothe Mase Aani Chhote Mase)| A one-act play | | 1957 | तुझें आहे तुजपाशीं (Tujhe Ahe Tujapashi) | A one-act play | | 1958 | बटाट्याची चाळ (Batatyachi Chal) | A humorous depiction of life in a Mumbai chawl | | 1958 | सुंदर मी होणार (Sundar Mi Honar) | A one-act play | | 1958 | नवे गोकुळ (Nawe Gokul) | A one-act play | | 1960 | अपूर्वाई (Apoorvai) | Travelogue recounting his experiences in Europe | | 1960 | गोळाबेरीज (Golaberij) | One of his most popular humorous books | | 1961 | विठ्ठल तो आला आला (Vitthal To Aala Aala) | A one-act play and one of his most beloved works | | 1962 | काय वाट्टेल ते होईल (Kay Wattel Te Hoeel) | A book adaptation of Anything Can Happen | | 1963 | पूर्वरंग (Poorvarang) | A travelogue | | 1964 | असा मी असामी (Asa Mi Asami) | A satirical autobiography | | 1965 | एका कोळीयाने (Eka Koliyane) | Translation of Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea | | 1966 | व्यक्ती आणि वल्ली (Vyakti Ani Valli) | Collection of character sketches; winner of the Sahitya Akademi Award | | 1968 | हसवणूक (Hasavnuk) | A collection of humorous essays | | 1970 | मराठी वाङ्मयाचा (गाळीव) इतिहास (Marathi Vangmayacha Galeev Itihas) | A humorous take on the history of Marathi literature | | 1974 | जावे त्यांच्या देशा (Jave Tyanchya Desha) | Travelogue describing his visits to various countries | | 1974 | वंगचित्रे (Vangachitre) | A travelogue | | 1975 | आम्ही लटिके ना बोलू (Aamhi Latike Na Bolu) | A one-act play | | 1976 | पहिला राजा / आधे अधूरे (Pahila Raja/adhe Adhure) | A play based on Jagadish Chandra Mathur's Adhe Adhure | | 1978 | तीन पैशांचा तमाशा (Teen Paishancha Tamasha) | Adaptation of Bertolt Brecht's The Threepenny Opera | | 1984 | खिल्ली (Khilli) | A collection of humorous pieces | | 1993 | एक शून्य मी (Ek Shunya Mee) | An autobiographical work | | 1998 | अघळ पघळ (AghaL-PaghaL) | A collection of essays published in his later years | | 1999 | उरलं सुरलं (UralaSurala) | A posthumously published collection | | 1999 | पुरचुंडी (Purchundi) | Contains the early childhood story 'Balpanicha Kaal Sukhacha' | Purushottam Laxman Deshpande , affectionately known by his

A collection of sketches focusing on his relatives and family. Guna Gain Awadi Sketches of real people and friends he admired. One of his many collections of humorous essays.

This book is a brilliant, satirical look at life inside a chawl (a traditional tenement housing complex) in Mumbai. Batatyachi Chal serves as an archive of lower-middle-class aspirations, communal living, and daily struggles. From the chaotic meetings of the local club to the shared celebrations of festivals, Pu. La. masterfully highlights the humor hidden within cramped spaces and tight budgets.

He turned to a dusty shelf behind him. It wasn't the section with the glossy bestsellers or the management self-help books. It was a shelf filled with weathered spines, mostly in Marathi, radiating a comforting warmth. : Published in 1999, this book is a

In the vast landscape of Indian literature, certain writers transcend their regional origins to become immortal cultural icons. Purushottam Laxman Deshpande, affectionately known as "Pu La" or "P. L. Deshpande," is one such colossus in the world of Marathi literature. To millions of Marathi speakers and literature lovers, the name "Pu La" is synonymous with a smile. He was not just a writer but a multifaceted artist—an actor, a playwright, a musician, a singer, and a brilliant orator. The people of Maharashtra reverently called him [महाराष्ट्राचे लाडके व्यक्तिमत्त्व].

"Take them," the old man said, gathering four of Pu La's books, including Asa Mi Asami and a travelogue, Apurvai . "These aren't books you finish. These are friends you visit when the world gets too loud."

Early life and background

PuLa’s writing style, often referred to as "PuLa-esque," is characterized by its simplicity, relatable characters, and profound human insights wrapped in humor. His genius lies in making the ordinary extraordinary. He had a unique ability to find humor in daily struggles without being derogatory or cruel.

Purushottam Laxman Deshpande, affectionately known across Maharashtra and the world as , was a colossus of Marathi literature. A humorist, playwright, musician, actor, and orator, his versatile genius left an indelible mark on Indian culture. Decades after their publication, his books remain foundational texts for understanding Maharashtrian society, human nature, and the pure joy of language.