Known for his unique literary perspective and ability to transform life experiences into compelling stage performances, Makarand Deshpande captivates theatre enthusiasts, drawing them in large numbers to witness his vision come to life on stage. Currently, he has a busy week; he is set to stage seven plays (‘Patni’, ‘Sir Premacha Kai Karaicha’, ‘Manushya’, ‘Qatl’, ‘Time Boy’, ‘Ram’ and ‘Sir Sir Sarla’) as part of his group Ansh Manch festival at Prithvi Theatre.

Makarand was deeply involved in sports, particularly cricket, during his younger days. However, one day, while playing on the field, he was struck by a sobering thought about the longevity of his career: he would eventually have to retire. That realization sparked his love for acting.

He shares, “I just couldn’t bear the thought of retiring from cricket and wanted to pursue a career that wouldn’t require me to stop. I was cast in a play during college and enjoyed the process immensely. That was the beginning of my journey in theatre. I have spent more time on stage than on TV and film sets.”

For Makarand, theatre is not a job, it is not even a passion. In fact, he says, it’s not even his love, it is his life. “When something becomes your way of life, you stop seeking validation,” he says, explaining why comments about the industry not giving him his due do not bother him.

“I think this transformation happened around seven years ago. Theatre is my life. Main isse jeeta aaya hoon aur karta aaya hoon aur usme se seekhta bhi aaya hoon. I am not a formally trained playwright or theatre person; I learnt on the job and from life. Mujhe zindagi ne jo jo sawaal diye uske jawaab mere naatak mein mile,” he shares.

As the conversation shifts to his preferred art form, he reminisces how he has always chosen theatre over big-screen recognition. “In the past, I wouldn’t dedicate more than 10 days to any film project. I would request small roles so I could complete the schedule and get back to writing plays. When my friend Ashu (Ashutosh Gowariker) was making ‘Lagaan’, he offered me a role and I was required to be on the set for six months. He even offered me a writing table because he knew about my love for theatre. However, I didn’t want to devote that kind of time to a film set. As a writer and director, I feel more in sync with theatre as it is connected to life, which is always moving. There is no alternative to living life. I take up films and TV projects to fund my love for theatre.”