PUNE: While writer and humourist PL Deshpande’s birth centenary year begins on November 8, the annual ‘Pulotsav’ that has a global form this year, will be celebrated from November 17 to 25 at Balgandharva Rangamandir. There will be around 50 programmes, out of which 30 will be free of any entry cost.

Aptly titled as ‘Sab Kuchh Pula’ (Everything Pula), around 16 programmes representing the life and work of the humourist, including a film festival, discussions, symposium, speech invention, music concert, play, dance, speeches, caricatures, etc will be showcased at the festival. Around 100 artistes will perform in these events. ‘ Aathvanitale PuLa’, a compilation of Deshpande’s selected work, will also be available for the people to buy at very reasonable price. This compilation will consist of a calendar, a CD of compilation of Deshpande’s rare audio-visual footage, pen drive and a book on his life.

This year, the ‘Krutadnyata Sanman’ will be awarded to Dr Vikas Amte and the ‘Tarunai Sanman’ to classical vocalist Kaushiki Chakraborty. 

The Krutadnyata Sanman is given to the people who have been doing great work in social work. Social activists Dr Prakash Amte, Sindhutai Sapkal, Dr Abhay Bang and Rani Bang, Girish Prabhune, author Dr Anil Awchat, the Naam Foundation, Dr Ravindra and Smita Kolhe have earlier been felicitated with this award. Actors Subodh Bhave, Shreyas Talpade, Mukta Barve, Amey Wagh, vocalists Rahul Deshpande, Anand Bhate, Swapnil Bandodkar, Mahesh Kale have been the few recipients of the Tarunai Sanman.

The events where entry is open to all free of cost will take in the guests on first come first served basis. The season tickets for the festival will be sold at Balgandharva Rangamandir from November 11 (9 am to noon and 5 pm to 8 pm). Daily passes will be available for the public on the day of the event at Balgandharva Rangamandir. Members of Aashay Film Club and Sanskrutik Club will get 20 per cent discount on the booking of season tickets.