A distinguished Marathi writer, Purushottam Laxman Deshpande died on 12th June 2000. Popularly known as P.L. Deshpande, he was a multi-faceted genius who made an enormous contribution to the fields of literature, music, drama, and films. He was also a noted philanthropist.

Deshpande was born on November 8, 1919, in Gamdevi, Mumbai, into a Gaud Saraswat Brahmin family. He received his college education from Fergusson College, Pune and Willingdon College, Sangli. After that, he learnt harmonium from Dottopant Rajopadhye and Hindustani classical music also.

He made films like Gulacha Ganapati and Devbappa and wrote plays like Tuzhe the Tuzhepasi. Deshpande was also given the affectionate title of Maharashtraache laadake vyaktimattva (Maharashtra's most beloved personality).

He has received numerous awards including Sahitya Akademi Award (Marathi), Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, Punya Bhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shree, and Maharashtra Gaurawa Award.

India Postal Department has issued 400 Paise (4 Rupee) commemorative postage stamp in honor of P.L. Deshpande on his second death anniversary. The stamp has a portrait of Deshpande and in the background is a picture of him in the role of Sant Tukaram in his play Tuka Mhane Ata.

Visit philamart to view and purchase variety of stamps from all over the world.