Yashavant Sardeshpande (Kannada: ಯಶವಂತ್ ಸರದೇಶ್ಪಾಂಡೆ) is an Indian theatre actor, director, playwright. He conducts Kannada plays with his troupe Guru Samsthe, Hubli and Gurubala Entertainers. Sardeshpande was the scriptwriter for Kamal Hassan's dialogues in the North-Karnataka Kannada dialect in the Kannada feature film Rama Shama Bama.[citation needed] He has acted in many Kannada tele-serials and Kannada films, including Amruthadhare.[1] He played the key role in organising Amerikannadotsava and Bahrain Kannadotsava.
He earned a diploma in Theatre Arts, Ninaasam Theatre Institute, Heggodu in 1985-86. He completed a Certificate Course in Cinema and Drama writing, at New York University in 1996.
He is called 'Nageya Sardar' by Shimogga theatre lovers, 'Nage Natakagala Badshah' by Udupi Manipal people, 'Nagegadala Navika' by Bellary art lovers and 'Rangabhumiya Super Star' by Karnataka press.
Most of Sirdeshpande's plays have run for over 500 shows,[2] and include the Kannada plays All The Best,[3] Rashichakra, Olave jeevana Shakshatkara, Neenaanaadre Naaneenena,[4] Sahi Ri Sahi, Ondata Bhatraddu, Andhayuga, Sahebaru Baruttare, Miss Point, Dil Mange More, and Hingadre Dot Comedy.
Sirdeshpande has used his plays to support Bharatiya Janata Party election campaigns in Karnataka during State elections.
Sirdeshpande directed and produced a movie called Idea Madyara and contributed film scripts for Rama Shama Bhama, Matha, Jootatata, Dhimaku, Shri Danammadevi, Student, Tutturi, and Atithi. He was associate director of Atithi. He worked on films in different languages such as Shaadi ke After Effects in Hindi and On Duty Chovvistaas in Marathi.
Sirdeshpande is based in Bangalore where he is producing Kannada feature film Haadu Hakki Haadu and shooting Very Good.