Makarand Deshpande is an Indian film actor, writer, and director in Hindi, Kannada, Marathi, Telugu, Malayalam cinema, and Indian Theatre. He is often seen in supporting and pivotal roles in various films like Jungle, Sarfarosh, Swades, Makdee, and Darna Zaroori Hai where he often plays drunkard, wayfarer, and comic roles. He has directed over 5 films. His contribution to the theatre industry includes over 50 short plays and 40 full-length plays, including Sir Sir Sirla, Joke, Maa In Transit, Krishna Kidding and Shakepearcha Mhatara. His recent play, Patni, with Niladri Kumar has been a hit across the country. His journey in theatre started in the year 1990 at Prithvi Theatre with support from Sanjana Kapoor. He started Ansh Theatre Group in the year 1993, along with Kay Kay Menon, who remains one of the pillars of the group.
