- Friday, November 22, 2024
Palekar’s career began as a painter in Mumbai, transitioning to theatre under Satyadev Dubey’s mentorship before his rise in Indian cinema
By: India Weekly
ON THE occasion of his 80th birthday, Amol Palekar’s memoirs, “Viewfinder” (English) and “Aiwaz” (Marathi), will recount his journey from visual art to theatre and cinema.
The books are scheduled for launch on November 23 in Mumbai, November 24 in Pune, and November 27 in New Delhi. Published by Westland, the Marathi version is a collaboration with Madhushree Publications.
Palekar’s career began as a painter in Mumbai, transitioning to theatre under Satyadev Dubey’s mentorship before his rise in Indian cinema.
Discussing the memoir, he said, “My journey back to the past offers a glimpse into India’s cultural evolution, highlighting the gap between alternative theatre, art-house cinema, and mainstream entertainment.”
The memoir also reflects on Palekar’s shift to directing films, where he delved into personal and universal themes and adapted literary classics, culminating in accolades such as an Oscar nomination for “Paheli”. The book includes archival images, anecdotes, and QR codes linking to his works.
Minakshi Thakur of Westland Books described the memoir as “a fascinating account that places the reader at the bustling intersection of art, theatre, and cinema, to which Palekar’s contribution has been immense and enduring.”
Viewfinder and Aiwaz will be available across stores starting December 9, promising a retrospective on the golden era of Indian cinema.
