Amol Palekar’s Viewfinder: A Memoir is an unconventional and deeply introspective account of his life and artistic journey. Unlike traditional autobiographies, this book moves fluidly through time, much like a film employing flashbacks and parallel narratives.
Geeta Singh
In an age where celebrity memoirs often feel sanitized, Amol Palekar’s Viewfinder: A Memoir is raw and real. He doesn’t just recount events—he analyzes them, offering readers a rare glimpse into the mind of an artist who never compromised. Whether you’re a fan of his films or simply appreciate thoughtful storytelling, this book will leave a lasting impression.
Amol Palekar, the celebrated actor, filmmaker, and artist, takes readers on an intimate journey through his life in the memoir. Known for his groundbreaking work in Indian parallel cinema with films like ‘Rajnigandha’, ‘Chhoti Si Baat’, and ‘Gol Maal’, Palekar transitions from the silver screen to the written word with remarkable ease. His memoir is not just a recollection of his cinematic achievements but a deeply personal exploration of art, identity, and the choices that shaped him.
Palekar, known for his contributions to Indian cinema, theatre, and painting, uses Viewfinder to reflect on his experiences beyond the silver screen. He discusses his early life in a Marathi-speaking middle-class family, his rise in Hindi and Marathi cinema, and his transition into directing and painting. The book also explores his defiance of societal norms and his commitment to artistic integrity.
One of the most touching aspects of the memoir is the story behind its title. Palekar recounts how Hrishikesh Mukherjee gifted him a director’s viewfinder, a tool that had originally been passed down from Bimal Roy. This symbolic gesture helped him find his own path as a filmmaker.
A Multifaceted Portrait
Actor Amol Palekar’s narrative is refreshingly honest—free from the glamorized veneer often found in celebrity memoirs. He writes with introspection, discussing his early days as a bank clerk-turned-actor, his struggles with typecasting in Bollywood, and his eventual shift towards independent and experimental cinema. His collaborations with legends like Basu Chatterjee, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, and Shyam Benegal offer fascinating insights into the golden era of Indian cinema.
Beyond films, Palekar delves into his passion for painting and theatre, revealing how these artistic pursuits influenced his storytelling. His reflections on rejecting commercial cinema to pursue meaningful narratives make for compelling reading, especially in today’s era of box-office-driven filmmaking.
Resistance and Authenticity
One of the most striking aspects of ‘Viewfinder’ is Palekar’s unwavering commitment to artistic integrity. He openly discusses his clashes with the establishment—whether it was fighting censorship or challenging the industry’s reluctance to embrace unconventional narratives. His account of the controversy surrounding his 2019 speech at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), where he criticized government interference in art, adds a layer of contemporary relevance.
The book is nostalgic without being sentimental, opinionated but not arrogant, and rich with anecdotes that offer a glimpse into his personal and professional life. Palekar’s prose is elegant yet conversational, making ‘Viewfinder’ an engaging read. He balances humour with poignant moments—whether reminiscing about his mother’s influence, his bond with wife Sandhya Gokhale, or his disillusionment with mainstream cinema. His philosophical musings on art, mortality, and legacy give the book a meditative quality.
Behind the Scenes of a Creative Mind
One of the most striking aspects of ‘Viewfinder’ is Palekar’s unwavering commitment to artistic integrity. He openly discusses his clashes with the establishment—whether it was fighting censorship or challenging the industry’s reluctance to embrace unconventional narratives. His account of the controversy surrounding his 2019 speech at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), where he criticized government interference in art, adds a layer of contemporary relevance.
One of the most captivating sections of the book is Palekar’s detailed account of how he approached his most iconic roles. He shares anecdotes about the making of ‘Gol Maal’—how its subtle humor was a deliberate contrast to the loud comedies of the time—and his experiences working with actors like Utpal Dutt and Zarina Wahab. His transition from acting to directing (‘Dhyaas Parva’, ‘Paheli’) reveals his relentless quest for creative evolution.
He also reflects on the ‘challenges of parallel cinema’—limited budgets, lack of mainstream acceptance, and the constant struggle to find audiences. His candid admission of failures, like the commercial disappointment of ‘Thodasa Roomani Ho Jaayen’, adds depth to his narrative, making his successes even more inspiring.
A Voice Against Conformity
What sets Viewfinder: A Memoir apart is Palekar’s refusal to conform—both in his career and in his memoir. Unlike many autobiographies that gloss over controversies, he addresses them head-on. His critique of commercialization in art, his views on political censorship, and his decision to step away from Bollywood at the peak of his fame reveal a man who values principles over popularity. It is more than a memoir—it’s a testament to the power of staying true to one’s artistic vision.
Film enthusiasts who want a behind-the-scenes look at Indian parallel cinema. Artists and creators seeking inspiration from a man who constantly reinvented himself. Readers who enjoy introspective memoirs filled with wisdom and wit.
Amol Palekar’s humility, resilience, and intellectual depth shine through every page, making this a must-read for anyone who values cinema, art, and the courage to defy conventions. In an age where celebrity memoirs often feel sanitized, ‘Viewfinder’ is raw and real. Amol Palekar doesn’t just recount events—he analyzes them, offering readers a rare glimpse into the mind of an artist who never compromised. Whether you’re a fan of his films or simply appreciate thoughtful storytelling, this book will leave a lasting impression.
Title: Viewfinder: A Memoir
Author: Amol Palekar
Genre: Memoir / Autobiography
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Price: ₹899.00 INR
