Amol Palekar is a popular name in Marathi and Hindi Cinema since 70s. Perhaps, he is the only Marathi actor who besides making his name as a talented actor in Hindi and Marathi Cinema, also went on to produce and direct some of the best Hindi and Marathi films during the past few years. It may be recalled that this prolific actor began his theatre career with Satyadev Dubey’s experimental theatre and thereafter started his own group, Aniket, in 1972. He pioneered the Theatre of the Absurd to Maharashtra and a street theatre-inspired practice of performing plays in the open.

Amol made his film debut in 1971 with the noted Marathi film ‘Shantata! Court Chalu Aahe’ which was directed by Satyadev Dubey. This film, brought the New Cinema Movement into Marathi. Three years later, he played the lead in Basu Chatterjee’s film ‘Rajnigandha’ followed by ‘Chhoti Si Baat’. He was thus branded as a typical middle class hero with the light comedy films of Hrishikesh Mukherjee such as ‘Golmaal’, ‘Naram Garam’ followed by other films like ‘Gharonda’ ,’Baton Baton Mein’ and so on. Amol won the Best actor Filmfare award for ‘Golmaal’ and that earned him name and fame.
Amol Palekar, Actor, Director
In 80s he played the role of Ravi in Malyalam film ‘Olangal’, which was later remade in Hindi as ‘Masoom’. In 80s he turned to direction with sensible Marathi film ‘Aakriet’ and later also directed a TV serial ‘Kacchi Dhoop’ launching his daughter Shalmalee alongwith Bhagyashree as child artistes. Amol kept on appearing in Hindi films simultaneously as an actor like ‘Ankahee’, ‘Jhoothi’ ‘Baat Ban Jaye’, ‘Khamosh’ ‘Teesra Kaun’ and ‘Aks’. Recently he also performed opposite Sharmila Tagore, in his own Marathi film ‘Samantar’. Amol did produce some memorable Marathi films like ‘Bangarwadi’ and ‘kairee’ besides directing good sensible Hindi films like ‘Ankahee’, ‘Thodasa Roomani Ho Jaye’, ‘Daayraa’, ‘Kal Ka Aadmi’, ‘Paheli’ and ‘Quest’. His forthcoming film ‘Dhumkata’ is under production.

Amol has acted in more than 40 films, directed about dozen of quality films and produced three films. Whether it was acting or direction, Amol has always tried to offer something different and his ‘Paheli’ starring Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee and Amitabh Bachchan( In guest appearance) was the best offering for those who understand cinema.

He is an alumini of Sir J J School of Arts and has exhibited his sketches, drawings, and paintings in Mumbai. He is also into social work. He has two daughters and is now married to Sandhya Gokhale, who is a writer, alongwith whom he made two films ‘Paheli’ and ‘Samantar’. His film ‘Paheli’ was India’s official entry in the race for Best Foreign Film at the 2006 Oscars. The movie couldn’t make it to the final nominations, but, it was highly appreciated by many film lovers. Amol is here to stay with his creative work in days to come. MMW wishes him a grand success and honour him as Star of the month.