What do you think?
Rate this book
बटाट्याची चाळ [Batatyachi Chaal]
चाळ संस्कृतीची नेटकी मांडणी चाळीत राहणाऱ्यांची सुखंदुःखं, आचार विचार, सणवार, सर्वांना सामावून घ्यायची वृत्ती आणि पोटात असलेली उदंड माया ह्या सगळ्याचं समर्पक जिवंत चित्र ह्या पुस्तकात पुलंनी उभं केलं आहे. चाळसंस्कृती संपून ब्लॉक संस्कृती येण्याची चाळकऱ्यांना वाटणारी भीती सार्थ वाटते आणि अंतर्मुख करते.
171 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2014
1111 people are currently reading
15665 people want to read
About the author
P.L. Deshpande
85 books1,062 followersपुरुषोत्तम लक्ष्मण [पु. ल.] देशपांडे हे लोकप्रिय मराठी लेखक, नाटककार, नट, कथाकार व पटकथाकार, दिग्दर्शक आणि संगीत दिग्दर्शक होते. त्यांना महाराष्ट्राचे लाडके व्यक्तिमत्त्व असे म्हटले जायचे. त्यांच्या आद्याक्षरांवरून महाराष्ट्रात ते प्रेमाने पु. ल. म्हणून ओळखले जातात. लेखक आणि कवी वामन मंगेश दुभाषी ऊर्फ ऋग्वेदी हे पु.ल.देशपांड्यांचे आजोबा होते तर आणि सतीश दुभाषी हे मामेभाऊ आहेत.
P. L. Deshpande was one of the legends in marathi literature. Probably the most read, most quoted and most loved author of maharashtra
The writings though mostly known for its sublime comic nature,include a vast range of plays,caricatures,essays, travelogues and much more
Lovingly called 'Pula' by all the fans.
P. L. Deshpande was one of the legends in marathi literature. Probably the most read, most quoted and most loved author of maharashtra
The writings though mostly known for its sublime comic nature,include a vast range of plays,caricatures,essays, travelogues and much more
Lovingly called 'Pula' by all the fans.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
September 10, 2013
You can't possibly critique Maharashtra's most beloved,popular,whimsical ,surreal author.Here are few lines dedicated to my favourite author.
रसिका , क्षणभर विश्रांती घे रे
अधाशासारखं वाच पण ,
भावनांना लवंडून देऊ नको रे !
त्या "peephole" पलीकडल्या जगात
कधीतरी डोकावून पाहत जा रे
दरवाजाशी आलेल्या पाहुण्याला ,
"whatsapp" वर "greet" करण्यापेक्क्षा ,
हात मिळवत मायेच्या ओलाव्यालाही ,
कधीतरी स्पर्श करून पहा रे !!!
रसिका , क्षणभर विश्रांती घे रे
अधाशासारखं वाच पण ,
भावनांना लवंडून देऊ नको रे !
त्या "peephole" पलीकडल्या जगात
कधीतरी डोकावून पाहत जा रे
दरवाजाशी आलेल्या पाहुण्याला ,
"whatsapp" वर "greet" करण्यापेक्क्षा ,
हात मिळवत मायेच्या ओलाव्यालाही ,
कधीतरी स्पर्श करून पहा रे !!!
Want to read
July 24, 2016I have read this book twice so far. First time it was about 35 years back. Now I am reading it again.
I don't think Pu La has written humor. Rather his writing is the essence of Philosophy.
Hasata Hasata maansala antarmukh karanyachi kimaya ha shabdancha jadugar karato.
I don't think Pu La has written humor. Rather his writing is the essence of Philosophy.
Hasata Hasata maansala antarmukh karanyachi kimaya ha shabdancha jadugar karato.
August 9, 2016
अप्रतिम.
हे पुस्तक वाचताना त्यातील पात्रे तुमच्याबरोबर असतात. त्यांचा खट्याळपणा, त्यांच्या समस्या, त्यांच्या सवयी यांची जाणीव तुम्हाला अजूबाजूला होत राहते.
शब्दांच्या कोटी खूप मजेशीर आहेत. "एक चिंतन" नावाचा शेवटचा लेख तर खूपच सुंदर आहे.
हे पुस्तक वाचताना त्यातील पात्रे तुमच्याबरोबर असतात. त्यांचा खट्याळपणा, त्यांच्या समस्या, त्यांच्या सवयी यांची जाणीव तुम्हाला अजूबाजूला होत राहते.
शब्दांच्या कोटी खूप मजेशीर आहेत. "एक चिंतन" नावाचा शेवटचा लेख तर खूपच सुंदर आहे.
December 3, 2019
A masterpiece from the master. Funniest I've read. The jokes seems totally unintentional & timing is too good.
July 26, 2025
I first read this book when I was in school, and even today, it brings a smile to my face. On the surface, it’s filled with laughter — thanks to Pu La Deshpande’s unmatched wit — but beneath that humor lies a deep reflection on human nature and community life. The characters of the chawl feel like old friends, each with their quirks and warmth. And yes — that epic weight loss journey still stays with me as one of the funniest and most relatable parts.
July 21, 2024
I had completely forgotten I had read this (school days). I saw this on my feed and the memories just flooded in.
Batatyachi chal
Vyakti ki walli
Ti Phulrani (adapted from Pygmalion)
(तुला शिकवीन चांगलाच धडा 😭
भक्ती बर्वे यांची अविस्मरणीय भूमिका)
His eccentric characters, the observational comedy, the depiction of Marathi middle class (habits and everything) is so so impeccable.
Batatyachi chal
Vyakti ki walli
Ti Phulrani (adapted from Pygmalion)
(तुला शिकवीन चांगलाच धडा 😭
भक्ती बर्वे यांची अविस्मरणीय भूमिका)
His eccentric characters, the observational comedy, the depiction of Marathi middle class (habits and everything) is so so impeccable.
December 19, 2018
A Classic Pu. La.!!
February 17, 2012
One of the best work by Pu. La.
May 30, 2020
Masterpiece!! Reading it again is like living in memory.
July 17, 2025
> This book lives in every Marathi household that’s touched by literature.
"Bāṭātyāchī Chāwl" is a masterpiece of witty, clean humor—the kind you see in old English films or actors like Robin Williams or Laurel and Hardy. Innocent, yet so touching.
The characters may be fictional, but you know people like them exist in your life.
As you read, you will feel like you are sitting inside that old Mumbai chawl — laughing, observing, and learning about life and the characters like kochrekar master , baba barve , kushabhau , H M Hattangadi etc you will feel like you are living with them for ages.
🏘️ Values like neighbourhood, simplicity, friendships that didn't need filters or reels...
This book isn’t just for reading. It’s for living through, laughing with, and crying softly when no one’s looking.
And trust me, once you fall for it, you’ll read it a thousand times.
Open any page, start anywhere — the joy never leaves.
🤍 Grateful to Pu. La. Deshpande for this gift.
October 20, 2020
जादुई लिखाण! अगदी सुरुवातीपासूनच लहान-सहान गोष्टींद्वारे सामान्य माणसांच्या आयुष्याची चित्रे रेखाटताना पू ल देशपांडे यांनी ही अप्रतिम कलाकृती सादर केलेली आहे. निखळ हसू आणणारे किस्से, चाळीतील प्रकरणं आणि सर्वात मजेशीर म्हणजे चाळकरी. अगदी टमरेलवरुन विनोदी किस्सा कशाप्रकारे रंगू शकतो, किंवा दशपुत्रे यांच्या उपासावरुन किती भयंकर विनोदी नाट्य घडू शकते हे दाखवायची क्षमता फक्त पुलंमधेच. जनोबा रेग्याचे पोचट विधाने आठवली की आताही अचानक हास्याच्या हिंदोळा बाहेर पडतो, अगदी काम करत असतांनासुद्धा. त्रिलोकेकरांची सिग्नेचर शिवी 'साला इडियट' ही तर कित्येक दिवस तोंडात रेंगाळत होती. संगीतिका भागाची केलेली काव्य रचना म्हणजे एकदम विषय खोल.
शेवटी मात्र चाळीचे चिंतन अंतर्मुख व्हायला भाग पाडते आणि जाता जाता पुलंचं लेखन केवळ हास्यास्पद नव्हे तर धीरगंभीरसुद्धा आहे याची जाणीव होते.
शेवटी मात्र चाळीचे चिंतन अंतर्मुख व्हायला भाग पाडते आणि जाता जाता पुलंचं लेखन केवळ हास्यास्पद नव्हे तर धीरगंभीरसुद्धा आहे याची जाणीव होते.
October 20, 2019
Dear Fellow Readers,
P L Deshpande was one of the prominent social, Fantasy & Comic writer and social activist, and his book "Batataychi Chaal" is a Gem in the collection of Marathi Comic Fantasy, this story described an Imaginary peoples and Moments keeping the writer P. L Deshpande in center as a resident of an imaginary Apartment in Mumbai city called "Bataychi Chaal"
One must read this book, and I can bet he will never keep it down till the end, its one of those book which everybody want to read and read again and again and every time we read it we enjoy it a lot.
Thanks & Keep Reading
Prashant Vyawhare
https://storytellerpv.blogspot.com/
P L Deshpande was one of the prominent social, Fantasy & Comic writer and social activist, and his book "Batataychi Chaal" is a Gem in the collection of Marathi Comic Fantasy, this story described an Imaginary peoples and Moments keeping the writer P. L Deshpande in center as a resident of an imaginary Apartment in Mumbai city called "Bataychi Chaal"
One must read this book, and I can bet he will never keep it down till the end, its one of those book which everybody want to read and read again and again and every time we read it we enjoy it a lot.
Thanks & Keep Reading
Prashant Vyawhare
https://storytellerpv.blogspot.com/
Want to read
January 9, 2014I have heard alot about this book.. Wants to read it...
April 23, 2014
चाळ नावाची खट्याळ वस्ती ………. एक जिवंत कथा, बोलकी पात्र आणि विनोद !!!
December 26, 2014
This book is too good.....strongly recommend read just once.........
April 3, 2015
want to read this book... I have heard so much about it..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2016
One of the awesome books, will read again...:)
Currently reading
December 2, 2016i m reading
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2025
Some stories stay with you not because they boast of epic narratives, but because they manage to capture the warmth, chaos, and quiet struggles of everyday life. Batatyachi Chawl, one of the most cherished short stories by P. L. Deshpande, is one such piece. Set in the tight corridors and tin-roofed homes of a humble Mumbai chawl, this story is a nostalgic journey into a world of laughter, sorrow, simplicity, and humanity.
The titular Batatyachi Chawl (literally, "Potato Chawl") is more than just a cluster of rooms — it's a microcosm of society. Within its walls live families packed together by circumstance but bound by a sense of community that is fast disappearing in today's urban sprawl. Pu La doesn't just describe a chawl; he breathes life into it. The dripping taps, the shared walls, the uninvited gossip, the festival celebrations — each detail pulls the reader into this vibrant ecosystem.
The magic of the story lies in its delicate balance of humor and melancholy. Pu La introduces us to a variety of characters — some loud, some quiet, some eccentric — but all deeply human. There’s the perennial borrower, the self-proclaimed intellectual, the music lover who plays his harmonium despite complaints, and many others who seem like someone you’ve met in real life.
What’s most striking is Pu La’s empathy. His narration doesn’t judge, it simply observes — with warmth, with affection, and with a tinge of wistfulness. He captures the small joys that come from a shared joke in the corridor or the collective sorrow when someone leaves. The story is particularly poignant when it touches upon the departure of residents and the slow, inevitable change in the chawl’s character. It’s a reminder that places are made special not by their structure, but by the people who inhabit them.
Stylistically, the writing is classic Pu La — sharp, humorous, and yet tender. His turn of phrase, especially in Marathi, is unmatched in its ability to evoke both laughter and introspection. It’s not just a description of life in a chawl, but a love letter to an era, a lifestyle, and a set of values that are fading with time.
The titular Batatyachi Chawl (literally, "Potato Chawl") is more than just a cluster of rooms — it's a microcosm of society. Within its walls live families packed together by circumstance but bound by a sense of community that is fast disappearing in today's urban sprawl. Pu La doesn't just describe a chawl; he breathes life into it. The dripping taps, the shared walls, the uninvited gossip, the festival celebrations — each detail pulls the reader into this vibrant ecosystem.
The magic of the story lies in its delicate balance of humor and melancholy. Pu La introduces us to a variety of characters — some loud, some quiet, some eccentric — but all deeply human. There’s the perennial borrower, the self-proclaimed intellectual, the music lover who plays his harmonium despite complaints, and many others who seem like someone you’ve met in real life.
What’s most striking is Pu La’s empathy. His narration doesn’t judge, it simply observes — with warmth, with affection, and with a tinge of wistfulness. He captures the small joys that come from a shared joke in the corridor or the collective sorrow when someone leaves. The story is particularly poignant when it touches upon the departure of residents and the slow, inevitable change in the chawl’s character. It’s a reminder that places are made special not by their structure, but by the people who inhabit them.
Stylistically, the writing is classic Pu La — sharp, humorous, and yet tender. His turn of phrase, especially in Marathi, is unmatched in its ability to evoke both laughter and introspection. It’s not just a description of life in a chawl, but a love letter to an era, a lifestyle, and a set of values that are fading with time.
August 5, 2021
पु. ल. देशपांडे म्हणजे साहित्य विश्वाला अनमोल खजिना दिलेले एक थोर प्रसिद्ध लेखक. गमतीशीर प्रसंग अन् पात्रांचे रेखांकन म्हणजे लेखकाचा हातखंडाच म्हणावा लागेल. त्यांच्या साहित्यातील एक उल्लेखनीय ठेवा म्हणजे बटाट्याची चाळ.!
या पुस्तकात चाळीत राहणारी लोकं, त्यांची विचारसरणी, त्यांचं राहणीमान या सर्वांचे हलक्याफुलक्या शब्दांत वर्णन केले आहे.
सुखदुःखाचे वाटेकरी असणारे शेजार म्हणजे काय , याची अोळख यात होते.
कित्येक गोष्टी अगदी बारकाईने विचार करून लिहिल्या आहेत.
पूर्वीची ती चाळ संस्कृती वाचनातून अनुभवताना नकळतपणे मनात आताच्या फ्लॅट संस्कृती सोबत तुलना होऊ लागते. प्रत्येक पात्र मनात कुठेतरी घर करून जातं.
या काल्पनिक चाळीत रमताना मनात सामाजिक भान जागण्यासोबतचं हास्य कल्लोळ सुद्धा माजतो .
साहित्य अन् संस्कृतीत रमणाऱ्या प्रत्येकाने हे पुस्तक एकदा तरी नक्की वाचून पहायला हवे.
- @ kimi's review
April 6, 2020
MUST READ. STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.
Speechless. I wonder can anyone rate this book anything less than 5Star or may be 6star!!
It opens as laughter riot. I was really laughing and reading aloud the lines to my family members every few minutes. The characters living in बटाट्याची चाळ (Chawl or society) and their mannerisms are so realistically narrated that u could see and hear them as you read. PuLa covers varied topics in routine life from his observations and own experiences with his signature narrating style that oscillates between humour and sarcasm. Though I have never lived in such society I could totally relate with this book. The last chapter brings you from the high of humour to depth of emotions like a waterfall.
Speechless. I wonder can anyone rate this book anything less than 5Star or may be 6star!!
It opens as laughter riot. I was really laughing and reading aloud the lines to my family members every few minutes. The characters living in बटाट्याची चाळ (Chawl or society) and their mannerisms are so realistically narrated that u could see and hear them as you read. PuLa covers varied topics in routine life from his observations and own experiences with his signature narrating style that oscillates between humour and sarcasm. Though I have never lived in such society I could totally relate with this book. The last chapter brings you from the high of humour to depth of emotions like a waterfall.
August 25, 2025
Batatyachi Chawl by P.L. Deshpande was one of the first Marathi books I ever read, and I absolutely loved it. It is light, funny, and full of heart. The book takes you into the world of Mumbai’s Girgaon chawls, with hilarious and touching stories about the people who lived there. His writing makes the characters feel so real.You can almost see them in your own neighborhood. Their little habits, mischiefs, and quirks that I couldn't stop myself from laughing out loud more than once. He has written it so insightfully that blends humor with slice of real life perfectly.
If you like reading humorous and light books and if you wish to read any Marathi book then I will definitely recommend this one.
If you like reading humorous and light books and if you wish to read any Marathi book then I will definitely recommend this one.
April 14, 2020
बटाट्याची चाळ
पु ल देशपांडे हे गमतीशीर मराठी कादंबऱ्या लिहिण्यास प्रसिद्ध आहे. बटाट्याची चाळ या कादंबरीची अनेक समीक्षा मी वाचली आहेत. पण मला हे फारसं आवडलं नाही. ह्या पुस्तकात लेखकाने एका चाळीचे वर्णन केले आहे, बटाट्याच्या चाळीचे. तेथील लोक, त्यांचे स्वभाव. तेथील लोकांचा व्यवसाय तिथल्या गमतीजमती त्यांच्या आपापसांतील भांडण-तंटा. ह्या सगळ्या गोष्टीचं वर्णन लेखकाने एकदम बारीकीने आणि गमतीदार पद्धतीने या पुस्तकात मांडलेला आहे. पण पुस्तकात काही ठिकाणी मध्येच काय सुरू आहे हे कळत नाही त्यामुळे थोडा वैताग येतो. सोबतच थोडी भाषा ही कठीण वाटली. त्यामुळे काही ठिकाण च्या गमतीजमती सोडल्या, तर मला हे पुस्तक फार काही तेवढे आवडले नाही.
पु ल देशपांडे हे गमतीशीर मराठी कादंबऱ्या लिहिण्यास प्रसिद्ध आहे. बटाट्याची चाळ या कादंबरीची अनेक समीक्षा मी वाचली आहेत. पण मला हे फारसं आवडलं नाही. ह्या पुस्तकात लेखकाने एका चाळीचे वर्णन केले आहे, बटाट्याच्या चाळीचे. तेथील लोक, त्यांचे स्वभाव. तेथील लोकांचा व्यवसाय तिथल्या गमतीजमती त्यांच्या आपापसांतील भांडण-तंटा. ह्या सगळ्या गोष्टीचं वर्णन लेखकाने एकदम बारीकीने आणि गमतीदार पद्धतीने या पुस्तकात मांडलेला आहे. पण पुस्तकात काही ठिकाणी मध्येच काय सुरू आहे हे कळत नाही त्यामुळे थोडा वैताग येतो. सोबतच थोडी भाषा ही कठीण वाटली. त्यामुळे काही ठिकाण च्या गमतीजमती सोडल्या, तर मला हे पुस्तक फार काही तेवढे आवडले नाही.
September 6, 2020
Picked this one as it is considered one of the best in Marathi literature. Also, I had read Vyakti Aani Valli & Asa Mi Asami which I absolutely loved!
This book was nowhere near them is what I felt.
Among all the chapters, the final one 'Chintan" is what made me little emotional & the 2 ⭐ are for that.
This book was nowhere near them is what I felt.
Among all the chapters, the final one 'Chintan" is what made me little emotional & the 2 ⭐ are for that.
June 2, 2019
Khup chan apratim utkrutha shabd rachna,bharbharun vinod ,tomne etyadine bharpur hasun lotpot karnari hi gosht kharch vachayala khup manoranjan karnari ahe ...kharch khupach chann.
Tasech p.l deshpande he vinodi lekh lihnare ani ashtpailu lekhak ahet.
Tasech p.l deshpande he vinodi lekh lihnare ani ashtpailu lekhak ahet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2017
One of the masterpieces. Very Funny. Chal sanskriti , loved to hear about it. Pu La's observation and his timing of jokes and the way he creates it amazing. this one is collectible for me.
April 13, 2018
Great book and great suspense ever!
May 13, 2018
Are hi books open ka nahi hot. Kuth ahe download link?
July 14, 2018
Nice book
November 9, 2018
Nice
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews