Purushottam Laxman Deshpande’s 101st Birthday

Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Mumbai-based guest artist Sameer Kulavoor, celebrates the 101st birthday of legendary Indian writer, playwright, musician, composer, actor, director, and philanthropist Purushottam Laxman Deshpande, widely known by his Marathi initials “Pu La.” Renowned for his signature style of joyful humor and satire, Deshpande brought smiles to the faces of countless readers and audiences with his multifaceted contributions to Marathi literature and the performing arts.  

Purushottam Laxman Deshpande was born on this day in 1919 in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. He earned a master’s degree and served as a college lecturer before he began to pursue a career in music. A master of the harmonium (also known as the reed organ), he played as an accompanist for acclaimed vocal artists of the day and released his own hit recordings as well. But music was far from Deshpande’s only creative talent, and in the late 1940s, his writing premiered in Bombay magazine.

Throughout a long and varied career, Deshpande produced a prolific collection of writing which included novels, essays, comedy books, travelogues, children’s plays, and one-man stage shows—much of which saw massive popularity, particularly in his home state of Maharashtra. In addition, Deshpande acted in dozens of films, many of which he directed himself. 

In the 1990s, Deshpande and his wife established a philanthropic foundation in his name which in the years since has carried on his positive legacy through the promotion of a variety of social and cultural causes.

Happy birthday, P. L. Deshpande, and thank you for sharing your humor and harmony with the people of Maharashtra and beyond. 

Guest Artist Q&A with Sameer Kulavoor

Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Mumbai-based guest artist Sameer Kulavoor. Below, he shares his thoughts behind the making of this Doodle:

Q: Why was this topic meaningful to you personally? 

A: Being born and brought up in Mumbai/Maharashtra, one comes across Pu La Deshpande's name and works constantly in popular culture - music, writing, films, theatre, literature, and more. He was known to be a sharp observer of life, and one can see that in his literary work. There is a wildly popular Marathi song we were exposed to as kids in school called 'Naach re mora' (dance peacock, dance) - I learnt much later (to my surprise) that he composed the song!

Q: What were your first thoughts when you were approached about the project?

A: I thought that P. L. Deshpande is a multi-dimensional, multi-talented, towering and legendary figure, particularly in the western region of India. I knew it would be an honour to work on this.

Q: Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle?

A: There is a subtle reference to the song I remember from my schooling days,  'Naach re Mora', and his colourful persona.

Q: What do you hope people take away from your Doodle?

A: PuLa's life and work is the message! I hope to highlight the fact that one can have several different outlets and forms to creativity.