Makarand Deshpande

Makarand Deshpande (born 6 March 1966) is an Indian actor, writer, and director in Hindi, Kannada, Marathi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil cinema, and Indian theatre. He is often seen in supporting and pivotal roles in films like Jungle, Sarfarosh, Swades, Makdee, Bbuddah... Hoga Terra Baap and Darna Zaroori Hai where he plays drunkard, wayfarer, and comic roles. He has directed five films.

His contribution to the theatre 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 work in theatre started in 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.

Deshpande is known for his role in the Kannada-language film series Dandupalya.

He is set to make his English-language debut in the 2024 film Monkey Man, directed by Dev Patel.