New Delhi, Nov 21 (PTI) A new book on the life and times of painter-actor-filmmaker Amol Palekar will give readers a retrospective of the veteran artist's personal odyssey from canvas to celluloid via proscenium. Set to launch in Mumbai on November 23, in Pune on November 24 and in New Delhi on November 27, the book, "Viewfinder" in English and "Aiwaz" in Marathi, will mark Palekar’s 80th birthday. Both the books are published by Westland -- "Aiwaz" in partnership with Madhushree Publications.
Palekar reflects on a rich tapestry of experiences that shaped his artistic journey: from his beginnings as a painter in 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. "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," said Palekar, known as the relatable boy-next-door in the 1970s for his work in superhit films like "Gol Maal", "Chhoti Si Baat", "Rajnigandha" and "Chitchor", among others. 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 un.