NFAI to screen iconic 1948 Marathi film Vande Mataram

PUNE: A special screening of the iconic Marathi film Vande Mataram (1948) has been organized by the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) at 5pm on November 9, to mark the birth centenary of humorist, actor and musician Purushottam Laxman Deshpande.
Pu La’s 100th birthday falls on November 8. Rare footage of PL Deshpande playing the harmonium will also be screened at the event.
A statement from NFAI on Tuesday said “Pu La Deshpande” or “PuLa” was noted for his observational humour and he made a mark across several media including literature, theatre and cinema.
Vande Mataram (1948), directed by Ram Gabale is the first film where P L Deshpande, G D Madgulkar and Sudhir Phadke came together. Starring P L Deshpande and his wife Sunita Deshpande in the lead roles, it was based on the freedom struggle and Quit India Movement of 1942.
The film highlights the contribution of an unknown freedom fighter from Sonsali in Shirali district. This film has the immortal song ‘Ved Mantrahun Amha Vandya Vande Mataram’ written by Madgulkar, composed and sung by Sudhir Phadke.
Considered as lost, the film’s footage was recently acquired by the NFAI. This is an opportunity for PL Deshpande’s fans to watch the rare footage on big screen. Deshpande was a proficient harmonium player and had accompanied many stalwart classical singers in professional and private concerts.