A tribute to P L Deshpande

Among the very few names that Marathi-speaking people anywhere in the world can identify with; and one that strikes a chord with many a non-Marathi as well, is Purushottam Lakshman Deshpande "" known to all as P L Deshpande.

The legendary 'PL' made an indelible mark on peoples' minds with his multi-faceted creativity in areas including literature, stage, films, and music and showered almost three generations with his outstanding creativity.

Pune's leading cultural organisation, Aashay Samskrutik, is organising Pulotsav, a two-week long festival, to rekindle the memory of PL and to bring before the audiences seasoned as well upcoming creators from the fields of films, music, poetry, art and literature - all close to his heart.

The festival will be inaugurated on January 19 and conclude on January 31. The events of the festival will be held at different locations in Pune, including the National Film Archives of India.

A highlight of the festival will be the conferment of Bahurupi Pu La (PL the versatile) award to noted poet and film-maker Gulzar. The festival will also screen Gulzar's documentaries on vocalist Pt Bhimsen Joshi and Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan in addition to feature films Achaanak and Izaazat, directed by him.

The festival will also feature vocal recitals of young artistes like Bhuvanesh Komakali (son of Pt Kumar Gandharva) and Shashwati Mandal as well as tabla recital by Yashwant Vaishnav. It will have a section on documentaries including Satyajit Ray's Bala, Roman Polanski's Fat & Lean and Ritwik Ghatak's Rendezvous, in addition to Istavan Zabo's You. In the comedy's section, Charlie Chaplin's Tramp, Buster Keaton's Black Smith and Laurel and Hardy's Brats will be screened.

Scientists Jayant Naralikar, Vasant Govarikar and Vijay Bhatkar will unfold their journey in a special interview session while renowned vocalist Prabha Atre will perform.

Organisers Satish Jakatdar and Veerendra Chitrao of Ashay Samskritik said the entire festival had been conceptualised around art forms PL loved and practised.

They said the festival would bring into focus young and promising artistes through special awards Pu La Tarunai Sanman (award for young achievers).

The festival, sponsored by Paranjape Schemes Construction and the Kirloskar Group, has been heavily subsidised as the highest anyone would have to pay for an entry is Rs 400, they said.