This no-holds-barred memoir by the beloved Indian actor, director and artist Amol Palekar traces an extraordinary creative journey that spans theatre, cinema, painting and television. Calling himself “an actor by accident, a director by choice and a painter by nature,” Palekar recounts his early years as a painter and banker, his transformative entry into avant-garde theatre under the mentorship of Satyadev Dubey, and his groundbreaking contributions as an actor and director on stage.
His fearless experiments—taking theatre out of auditoriums into gardens, garages, canteens and terraces— reshaped the form in the 1970s. As a film actor, he ruled Hindi, Marathi and Bengali cinema for over three decades, becoming a household name. His directorial career, marked by sensitive portrayals of women and adaptations of classic Indian literature, went on to win numerous national and international awards.
More than a personal narrative, this memoir documents how theatre, cinema and television evolved from the 1970s to today, making it an invaluable account for students, scholars and lovers of Indian performing arts.
Amol Palekar (born 24 November 1944) is a renowned actor, director, producer and painter, known for his gentle screen presence and progressive artistic vision. His celebrated Hindi films include Gol Maal, Chitchor, Rajnigandha, Gharaonda, Rang Birangi and Chhoti Si Baat. His iconic stage productions include Chup! Court Shaant Hai!, Pagla Ghoda, Hayavadana, Suno Janmejay, Julus and Gochi.
As a director, his films such as Kairee, Ankahee, Bangarwadi, Daayra and Paheli (India’s official Oscar entry in 2006) have received widespread acclaim. He also directed landmark television series including Kachchi Dhoop, Mrignayani and Krishnkali. In 2000, he returned to his first love—painting.