I remember that Pu La had come for one of my premieres and I was patiently waiting to hear his verdict of my acting, but when he came out of the theatre during interval, all he asked me was about my father and his well being, such was their friendship.

In this quote, Ashok Saraf reflects on the deep and meaningful friendship between his father and the renowned Marathi writer Pu La Deshpande. Saraf recalls a moment when Pu La attended one of his premieres and, despite his anticipation for Pu La's feedback on his acting, the focus of their conversation was on his father and his well-being. This illustrates the nature of their friendship, where personal bonds and genuine concern for each other’s lives took precedence over professional matters like the review of Saraf's performance.

Saraf’s words highlight how friendship can go beyond superficial interactions and be grounded in true care and mutual respect. Pu La's inquiry about Saraf’s father instead of offering a critique of his acting shows that their relationship was based on deeper emotional connections, where the well-being of loved ones was more important than professional evaluations. This gesture reveals the kind of selflessness and empathy that often characterizes the strongest friendships.

The origin of this quote comes from Saraf’s personal experiences with Pu La Deshpande, a towering figure in Marathi literature and culture, who was not only a friend to Saraf’s family but also a mentor and an emotional anchor. Their relationship was marked by a bond of genuine care and affection, which went beyond the public or professional sphere, and was centered on shared personal values and respect.

Ultimately, Saraf’s statement highlights the value of true friendship, where relationships are grounded in personal concern and mutual support. It reflects the idea that the deepest and most enduring connections are not based on professional achievements or accolades, but on genuine care for each other’s lives, well-being, and shared history.