Celebrated actor, director, and producer Amol Palekar is known as the quintessential boy-next-door and “middle-class everyman of Indian cinema. Palekar often showcases the simple struggles of the common man, such as struggles to get a job (Gol Maal), a home (Gharonda), or a girlfriend/wife (Baaton Baaton Mein, Chitchor, Choti Si Baat).
Early Life
Amol Palekar was born on November 24, 1944, into a Marathi-speaking middle-class family in Bombay. His father, Kamlakar Palekar, worked in the General Post Office, and his mother, Suhasini Palekar, worked in a private company. Palekar grew up with three sisters: Neelam, Rekha, and Unnati.
Palekar completed his schooling at Bal Mohan Vidya Mandir in Mumbai. After clearing his SSC exams, he pursued a diploma in Fine Arts at the Sir J. J. School of Art in Mumbai, graduating in 1965. During this period, he had to do several odd jobs to sustain himself, including working as a clerk with the Bank of India by day and pursuing his passion for painting at night. In 1967, he held his first solo painting exhibition at the Taj Art Gallery, showcasing his talent as a painter.
Amol Palekar on Stage
Amol Palekar’s entry into the world of theatre began with Marathi experimental theatre. He started his acting career under the guidance of legendary theatre director Satyadev Dubey. Palekar’s involvement in theatre led him to form his own group, Aniket, in 1972. He was part of popular plays like “Shantata! Court Chalu Aahe,” “Hayavadana,” and “Adhe Adhure.” His contributions to modern Indian theatre are often overshadowed by his popularity as a film actor, but his work in theatre laid the foundation for his future success in cinema.
Amol Palekar made his acting debut in the Marathi film “Shantata! Court Chalu Aahe” (1971), directed by Satyadev Dubey. The film, which started the New Cinema Movement in Marathi, was a critical success and marked the beginning of Palekar’s journey in the film industry.
Amol Palekar on Screen
His first Hindi film was Rajnigandha (1974), directed by Basu Chatterjee. The film, a surprise low-budget hit, featured Palekar in the role of Sanjay, a middle-class man navigating the complexities of love and relationships. His performance was widely appreciated.
Following the success of “Rajnigandha,” Amol Palekar continued to work with Basu Chatterjee in films like Chhoti Si Baat (1976) and Chitchor (1976). These films, characterized by their middle-class comedies and relatable characters, resonated with audiences and further solidified Palekar’s status as a rising star.
His image as the “boy-next-door” contrasted with the larger-than-life heroes prevalent at that time in Indian cinema, making him a favorite among viewers.
Gol Maal and Stardom
One of his most celebrated films was Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s “Gol Maal (1979),” a comedy film where Palekar played Ram Prasad Sharma, who, under the pressure of getting a job, made the fake persona of his brother Lakshman Prasad Sharma (Lucky). His performance in the film, especially his chemistry with great Utpal Dutt, was widely praised. The film earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his role. The same year he starred in Basu Chatterjee’s “Baton Baton Mein (1979),” as Tony Braganza, a young man navigating the challenges of finding love.
Some of Palekar’s other notable films include Bhimsain’s “Gharaonda (1977),” Shyam Benegal‘s “Bhumika (1977),” “Damaad (1978),” “Safed Jhoot (1978),” “Do Ladke Dono Kadke (1979),” “Meri Biwi Ki Shaadi (1979),” “Solva Sawan (1979),” “Aanchal (1980),” “Apne Paraye (1980),” Jeevan Dhaara (1982),” Shriman Shrimati (1982),” Aadmi Aur Aurat (1984), Khamosh (1984), Jhoothi (1984), Ankahee (1984), and Baat Ban Jaye (1986).
Amol Palekar as Filmmaker
In the mid-1980s, Amol Palekar decided to shift his focus from acting to filmmaking. He made his directorial debut with the Marathi film Aakreit (1981), which received critical acclaim and won several awards. As a director, Palekar is known for his sensitive portrayal of women, selection of classic stories from Indian literature, and perceptive handling of progressive issues.
In 1984 he directed “Ankahee (1984),” starring Deepti Naval, Shreeram Lagoo, and Dina Pathak. The film was the Marathi play “Kalay Tasmai Namaha,” by C. T. Khanolkar, which received widespread critical acclaim and won two National Awards.
His next was “Thodasa Roomani Ho Jaayen (1990),” a musical film featuring Nana Patekar, Anita Kanwar, and Vikram Gokhale. The film, inspired by N. Richard Nash’s celebrated play “The Rainmaker.” The film was selected for the Indian Panorama at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in 1990.
His next was “Bangarwadi (1995),” based on a novel of the same name by Vyankatesh Madgulkar. The film won two National Awards and five State Awards. It went to several international film festivals, earning immense critical acclaim. He then cast Nirmal Pandey and Sonali Kulkarni in Daayraa (1996). Daayeraa was a sensitive story of a transvestite dancer who gets in a relationship with a woman who was a victim of gang rape. This role won Pandey the Best Actress Valenti award at France’s Valenciennes Film Festival. It also received the Grand Prix at the Festival du Valenciennes in France. It was included in Time Magazine’s “Top Ten Films of 1996.”
Later Work
Some of his other films were “Kairee (2001),” “Dhyaas Parva (Marathi)”/”Kal Kaa Aadmi (Hindi)” (2001), “Anahat (2003, Marathi),” “Quest (2006, English),
Dumkata (2007, Hindi),” “Samaantar (2009, Marathi),” “…And Once Again (2010, Hindi),” and Dhoosar (2011, Marathi).”
In 2005, he directed “Paheli (2005),” starring Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji. The film was based on the Rajasthani short story “Duvidha” by Vijayadan Detha. It was India’s official entry for the 78th Academy Awards.
In addition to his work in films, Amol Palekar made significant contributions to television. He directed several iconic television serials on the national network, including “Kachchi Dhoop,” “AA Bail Mujhe Maar,” “Mrignayani,” “Naquab,” “Paool Khuna,” and “Krishna Kali.”
On the acting front, Palekar made a comeback of sorts with shows like 200 Halla Ho (2021), Gulmohar (2023), and Farzi (2023).
In recognition of his contributions, Palekar has received numerous awards and accolades, including three Filmfare Awards and six State Awards for Best Actor. His films have been the part of various international film festivals, earning him critical acclaim and respect from his peers in the industry.
Personal Life
Amol Palekar first married to Chitra Palekar, a writer and director, in 1969. The couple had a daughter named Shyamalee Palekar, who is a professor at the University of Western Australia. However, the marriage ended in divorce in 2001. Palekar later married Sandhya Gokhale, a lawyer. The couple has a daughter named Samiha, who is also a lawyer.
Over the years, Palekar has remained a beloved figure in Hindi and Marathi cinema, despite his long absence from films as an actor. On his birthday we wish him a long and happy life and wish to see him more on screen.
Amol Palekar on IMDB
