Amol Palekar, the legendary actor, truly needs no introduction. I grew up watching his cult classic Golmaal and humming timeless songs like “Uthe sab ke kadam” or “Ek Akela Is Shehar Mein.” Palekar charmed audiences—especially women in the 70s—not with bulging biceps or flamboyant dance moves, but with his simplicity, warmth, and effortless charisma. His acting touched hearts in ways that still feel fresh today.
What does the book cover?
Reading “Viewfinder – a Memoir” transported me back to that era—when cinema was both art and entertainment, when theatre was thriving, and when the industry was split between “classical” and “commercial.” Palekar often found himself caught in between these worlds, carving his own niche.
Palekar presents to readers four life altering accidents that shaped the course of his life. The first was his journey as a painter—after studying at the J. J. School of Arts, he worked briefly in an advertising consultancy to earn a living, eventually leading him to a steady job at the Bank of India, while he continued painting in the evenings. The second was a chance encounter at the age of 23 with director Satyadev Dubey. This meeting drew him into theatre, which in turn opened the doors to cinema. The third accident was his unexpected transition from acting to directing and producing, where he explored layered, thought-provoking themes through his films. And finally, the fourth was meeting Sandhya Gokhale, who went on to become not only his better half but also his creative partner and collaborator.
Key Takeaway
The book is not just a memoir; it is a reflection on how cinema was perceived in its golden days, how storytelling evolved, and how an actor like Palekar navigated spaces that didn’t always fit neatly into categories. His narrative brings alive the struggles, the joys, and the contradictions of an era that shaped Indian cinema as we know it.
Palekar shares several anecdotes that reflect his rebellious spirit and nonconformist attitude, setting him apart from others. Among them is an intriguing story of how he filed a case against filmmaker B.R. Chopra for ₹40,000—a case he won after three decades, eventually donating the money to charity. Adding a personal touch, Palekar has included some of his charming, coloured sketches in the book. Alongside numerous photographs, readers will also find QR codes linking to posters, films, and audio-visual recordings. This is a unique way of presenting a book.
What’s In It for Me?
For me, Viewfinder was more than a read—it was a journey back in time, guided by the voice of a man who quietly redefined the meaning of a leading hero. It was also a collection of stories from an era when I was a child.
My Recommendation
Read it. The book weaves together many pieces—politics, theatre, cinema, and glimpses of Palekar’s personal life. In the first few chapters there is so much to absorb about this charismatic man. For an octogenarian, revisiting those moments must have been no easy task, yet he brings them alive with honesty and depth. His journey, spanning cinema and theatre, feels incredibly rich and layered, making this book both a memoir and a window into an era. The detailing throughout this magnum opus is outstanding.
*I’m looking forward to witnessing Amol Palekar in conversation with Sandhya Gokhale — Advocate, Activist, and Filmmaker — at PRAXIS 12 in Dehradun on September 20.
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
