The ones who’re willing to put in effort, dedication and unconditional love into their craft. Those who aren’t driven by the intention of making money. Those who care only about creating something new, something different. 

Ironically, most of these artistes in films often come from a theatre background. It’s the stage that truly, and rightfully glorifies their talent. 

Makarand Deshpande is one such glorious jewel in the crown that is the Indian theatre scene. 

You have seen this man play various roles in different films. 

From being Kallu Kasaai in Makdee to a fakir in Swades, he is someone who we see in the movies every now and then. But it is theatre where this man’s heart resides. Such is his love for the medium that when he’s not performing on stage, you can find him chilling at the quaint Prithvi Cafe. 

We got in touch with the actor and he let us into the less-explored world of theatre, his take on cinema and his undying love for the art.

The man currently has seven plays running. He has contributed to each of them either as an actor, director or a writer. Makarand dons each one of those hats with equal finesse but enjoys writing the most even though acting still remains his first love.

On being asked about the theatre scene in our country, he mentions that the audience has evolved, at least in Mumbai. 

“Mumbai audience is vast. Shows happen every evening and even morning. Different kinds of shows from various genres, that too. There might be a big film releasing on a Friday, but that does not make a difference to the audience that theatre pulls in. It’s like any other day.” 

The actor who treats Mumbai’s famous Prithvi Theatre as his second home mentions how the place is in sanctum sanctorum. The zeal of that place is sacred. 

His take on cinema is also something that not many people speak of. 

Movie actors who hail from a theatre background are often blamed for over-acting on screen. While theatre involves exaggerated emotions and expression, movies tend to differ. 

“When you are on the screen, you tend to be closer to the audience. While, theatrical space is large and you have to express till the last row. For actors who blame a theatre background for over-acting, are not adapting to the demands and the differences of the two mediums,” says Makarand.

For actors who consider theatre as a stepping stone into the TV and film industry, Makarand says that it only helps them. A theatre actor doesn’t find it difficult to shift from one character to another in a second. They are trained in such a way.

“All directors have realised that when there’s pressure, actors seem to take a lot of time to emote. This doesn’t hold true for theatre. Their pace is mobilized and body language is at ease.”

For him, theatre is and has always been his calling. Known for his eccentricity in the industry, the actor mentions how he likes to disappear from films, every now and then. 

His plays that have been running for years now and are timely updated and performed so that they don’t get obsolete. 

Sir Sir Sarla is one such play that has been running since 2001. 

The play had Anurag Kashyap, Sonali Kulkarni and Deshpande as the lead actors. Today, while Kulkarni and Kashyap have moved on to live different lives, Deshpande takes the play forward with a new and equally talented cast. 

After 12 years, he returns to Delhi to perform Sir Sir Sarla at Kamani Theatre on 26th February 2017. You can find more information here.

This weekend, give your usual clubbing a break and watch a play instead.