A Critical Analysis: A Bitter Undertone Stains Everyman's Autobiography
Amol Palekar, a name synonymous with some of the most memorable performances in Indian cinema, has penned down his life's journey in a new memoir titled Viewfinder. The 320-page publication, published by Westland, offers a personal account of his experiences as a creative artist in both films and theatre.
Viewfinder, written by Palekar himself, delves deep into his struggles and triumphs, with a seam of bitterness that stems from his losses and battles with principles in the Indian film industry. The memoir is not just a chronicle of his career but also a reflection of his life, filled with anecdotes and insights that will captivate readers.
The memoir includes QR codes leading to clips of films Palekar directed or acted in, providing a unique and immersive reading experience. These snippets offer a glimpse into the actor's versatility and the impact he has had on Indian cinema.
Palekar's stardom was cemented with his role in the film Rajnigandha, an understated urban romance with hauntingly beautiful songs. His career took off after he made his film debut in the 1971 movie, also directed by Basu Chatterjee.
Before venturing into acting, Palekar passed out from Mumbai's JJ School of Art. His love for the arts led him to theatre, where he acted in plays like Chup, Court Chalu Hai, Suno Janmejay, and Adhe Adhure. He was mentored by the legendary theatre director Satyadev Dubey, further honing his skills as a performer.
Over the years, Palekar has had close associations with several legends of the Indian film industry, including Badal Sircar, Basu Chatterjee, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Amrish Puri, Shashi Kapur, Jaidev, Kishori Amonkar, and many more.
Despite its personal and insightful nature, Viewfinder has a certain rambling haphazardness that detracts from its cohesiveness as a memoir. However, this does not deter from the memoir's appeal, as it offers a raw and unfiltered look into the life of one of India's most respected actors and directors.
The memoir, Viewfinder, is priced at Rs 599 and is available at all major bookstores. It's a must-read for any fan of Indian cinema or anyone interested in the life and work of Amol Palekar.
