Makarand Deshpande began his career in theatre in the early 1990s at Prithvi Theatre, supported by Sanjana Kapoor. In 1993, he co-founded the Ansh Theatre Group with Kay Kay Menon, producing over 50 short plays and 40 full-length plays, including Sir Sir Sarla, Joke, and Krishna Kidding. His unique writing and acting style made him a cult figure in Indian theatre.
On screen, Deshpande is known for his versatile roles in films like Satya (1998), Sarfarosh (1999), Swades (2004), Makdee (2002), and Company (2002). He often plays eccentric, comic, or villainous characters, leaving a lasting impression. He has also directed films such as Danav (2003), Hanan (2004), and Sona Spa (2013). Recently, he appeared in Dev Patel’s Monkey Man (2024), marking his English-language debut.