Veteran actor-director Amol Palekar, who celebrated his 80th birthday this month, reflects on a life marked by artistic defiance in his much-awaited memoir Viewfinder (English) and Aiwaz (Marathi). Published by Westland in collaboration with Madhushree Publications, the memoir explores Palekar’s evolution from a painter and theatre actor to one of Indian cinema’s most unconventional leading men.
Renowned for portraying the “common man” in films like Gol Maal, Chhoti Si Baat, and Rajnigandha, Palekar challenged the dominance of larger-than-life heroes of the 1970s and 1980s. His relatable characters resonated deeply with audiences, offering a refreshing contrast to the era’s dramatic narratives. In his book, he recounts his collaborations with cinematic legends like Basu Chatterjee and Hrishikesh Mukherjee, as well as his seamless transition to direction, where he addressed nuanced, intimate themes.
The memoir also offers readers rare insights into his journey across five languages—Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Malayalam, and Telugu—while chronicling his contributions to theatre under Satyadev Dubey. Notably, it highlights his Oscar-nominated directorial work Paheli and his enduring efforts to bridge the gap between art-house and mainstream cinema.
With archival images, personal anecdotes, and tributes to stalwarts like Badal Sircar, Palekar’s memoir promises a nostalgic trip through the golden days of Indian cinema. Launching in Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi this month, the book will be available in stores from December 9, 2024.
Web Team C6N
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