National, November 21: Westland Books presents the eagerly awaited memoir of painter-actor-filmmaker Amol Palekar—titled Viewfinder in English and Aiwaz in Marathi (being published in partnership with Madhushree Publications). Set to launch in Mumbai on 23 November 2024, in Pune on 24 November 2024 and in New Delhi on 27 November 2024, the memoir marks Palekar’s eightieth birthday. Viewfinder invites readers to walk alongside him the non-conformist paths he charted through the ever-evolving landscape of Indian culture, cinema and theatre.

In this memoir, Palekar reflects on a rich tapestry of experiences that shaped his artistic journey: from his beginnings as a painter in the vibrant city of Mumbai, to his immersion in theatre under the mentorship of Satyadev Dubey, and finally, to his celebrated career in cinema, where he delivered back-to-back box office hits and unforgettable performances. Renowned for revolutionizing the ‘common man’ persona on screen, Palekar gives the readers insights into his films straddling five Indian languages (Hindi, Marathi, Malayalam, Bengali and Telugu), and acclaimed directorial endeavors.

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Readers will relive the magic of Indian cinema’s golden days through Palekar’s evocative storytelling, complemented by rare archival images, candid personal anecdotes, vintage photographs, and tributes to the enduring legacy of numerous stalwarts including Badal Sircar, Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Basu Chatterjee. A special feature of the book is the inclusion of QR codes that will lead the reader to many of Palekar’s works, some of which have never been seen before.  

Talking about the book, Amol Palekar said, ‘My journey back to the past offers a glimpse into India’s cultural evolution, highlighting the gap between alternative theater, art-house cinema and mainstream entertainment.’ 

Minakshi Thakur, Publisher – Indian Literature at Westland Books, remarked, ‘Amol Palekar’s arrival on the silver screen marked a turning point in the evolution of cinema as an artform in India. The characters he played continue to remain beloved. The aesthetics of the movies he made and the plays he directed set him apart as an artiste who never stops honing his skills. This richly told memoir is a much anticipated one, a fascinating account that places the reader at the bustling intersection of art, theatre and cinema, to which Mr Palekar’s contribution has been immense and enduring.’ 

Viewfinder and the Marathi edition Aiwaz will be available in online and offline bookstores from 9 December.

About the Author and the Book –

Viewfinder offers a window into Amol Palekar’s creative and personal life—a journey that began with a painter’s brush and grew into an expansive career across theatre and cinema. With his roots in Sir J.J. School of Art, Palekar’s entry into the arts in the 1960s was a seamless blend of natural talent and artistic vision. A serendipitous introduction to the stage through Satyadev Dubey reshaped his trajectory, drawing him into the world of theatre. Amol Palekar played a pivotal role in shaping the alternative theatre movement, leaving an indelible mark through enduring productions like Gochi, Julus, Pagla Ghoda, to name a few. 

Embracing theatre as both performer and director, Palekar became part of a movement that redefined the stage in all its dimensions. His was a theatre not confined by tradition, venturing into spaces far from the usual proscenium arch—parks, rooftops, garages—transforming these settings into shared, democratic experiences. As others looked West for international adaptations, Palekar looked East, adapting Bengali plays for pan-Indian appeal, expanding theatre’s geographical and linguistic horizons.

As the 1970s unfolded, Palekar’s nuanced acting style made him the quintessential ‘boy-next-door’, entertaining audiences in superhit films like Choti Si Baat, Rajnigandha, Chitchor, Gol Maal, Baton Baton Mein and Gharaonda. Palekar’s mastery in acting stood out in contrast to larger-than-life heroes in high-octane dramas, authenticating the everyday hero and inspiring a new wave of cinematic role models.

Transitioning to direction, Palekar’s films turned to intimate, often unspoken themes that blurred the lines between personal and universal experiences. With his adaptations of landmark works from Indian literature, he expanded his reach across languages and won accolades both in India and abroad, including an Oscar nomination for Paheli in 2006.

In Viewfinder/Aiwaz, Amol Palekar offers an introspective look at his journey, balancing triumphs and setbacks analyzed with disarming frankness. Through his lens, readers see a maverick artiste continually accepting new challenges, aware of the distance travelled and the stories yet untold. 

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