Amol Palekar’s creative journey is an intimate blend of art, theatre and film. A painter at heart, he began his artistic exploration in 1967 after graduating from J.J. School of Arts. An accidental encounter with the legendary thespian Satyadev Dubey led him to theatre. In this new sphere, inspired by Badal Sircar’s pioneering ‘Third Theatre’ movement, Palekar revolutionised and democratised the Indian stage by taking theatre to alternative spaces, from parks to terraces, from canteens to garages.
His cinematic career too marked a turning point in Hindi cinema. In the 1970s, he charmed audiences as the endearing ‘boy next door’, offering a refreshing alternative to larger-than-life heroes. With three back-to-back silver jubilee successes, Palekar became an overnight sensation. As a director, his nuanced exploration of complex themes blurred the lines between the social and personal.
Palekar marks his eightieth year with a memoir, ‘excavating’ a lifetime of memories and experiences. Through candid anecdotes and clear-eyed reflections, Viewfinder lifts the curtain on not only his experiences with cultural luminaries but also a critical era in the formation of Indian cultural expression. His steadfast opposition to censorship and committed stance on social issues solidifies his legacy as a courageous
champion of artistic freedom.
Thus emerges a portrait of Amol Palekar—the real man behind the reel man.