Amol Palekar earned the admiration of audiences through his simplicity and grounded personality. Known for his journey from acting to directing, he established a distinctive place for himself in Indian cinema. Now 81 years old, Palekar is no longer very active in Bollywood.
With his straightforward approach and creative vision, Amol Palekar has impressed audiences through his work as a director and artist. He began his career in the film industry as an actor and later gained equal recognition for his contributions as a director, driven by consistent hard work and dedication.
| Name | Amol Palekar |
| Date of Birth | 24 November 1944 |
| Age | 81 |
| Father | Kamlakar Palekar |
| Mother | Suhasini Palekar |
| Wife | Chitra Palekar (1969-2001), Sandhya Gokhale(2001- Present) |
| Children | Daughters (Shyamalee Palekar, Shalmalee Palekar) |
| Siblings | Rekha, Neelam, Unnati |
| Debut movie Hindi | Rajnigandha |
Early life
Amol Palekar, who led a simple and grounded life, was born on 24 November 1944 in Mumbai. Deeply fond of painting, he completed his post-graduation from Sir J. J. School of Art in Mumbai and began his professional career as a painter. Alongside his artistic pursuits, he also worked as a clerk at the Bank of India.
Drawn by his interest in acting, Palekar became involved in theatre, which eventually opened the door for him to work as a film hero. He often described his journey by saying that he was “an actor by accident, a producer by compulsion, and a director by choice.” In an interview with Rajya Sabha TV, he recalled that whenever the renowned painter M. F. Husain met him, he would ask only about his paintings.
Amol Palekar’s Career
Talking about films, he started his film career in 1971 with the Marathi film “Shanta Karta Chalu Ahe.” In 1974, he made his debut in Hindi films with Feel Basu Chatterjee’s ‘Rajanigandha’. This was the era when Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna’s stardom was at its peak. Despite this, Amol’s simplistic character impressed the audience a lot.
After that, the film “Chhoti Si Baat” and Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s immortal comedy film Golmaal brought Amol to the acting world’s heights. In this film, Amol was well supported by Utpal Dutt. The comic timing of both of them was excellent. Golmaal proved to be a super hit at the box office. Not only that, but Amol also received the Best Actor Award for this film.
The film became a timeless comedy, and “Golmaal Amol Palekar” remains one of the most searched phrases associated with his name. His comic timing and effortless charm made the character unforgettable.
Amol Palekar did not stop here; he also acted as Villian in Shyam Benegal’s “Bhoomika.” Amol, who influenced the common people, never considered himself a hero as his competitor. Instead, he always tried to improve himself.
Be it a serious film, Gharonda, or comedy films like Baton Baton Mein, Meri Biwi ki Shaadi, Naram Garam, Shriman Shrimati, he maintained his simplicity. In the 80s, he decided to make his move in the direction field.
After this, he presented a dire film to the audience, named “Thodasa Rumani Ho Jaye,”. After which Amol never looked back and gave direction in the best films like Akriet, Kiera, Daayara, and Paheli.
Directing superstars like Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukherjee in Paheli is a huge thing in itself. He also directed excellent programs on television like Kachchi Dhoop, Naqab, Mrignayanee, etc.
Here are some Amol Palekar hit movies and if you have not watched then watch them now.
- Golmaal
- Rajnigandha
- Choti si baat
- Baaton baaton me
- Bhumika
- Meri Biwi ki shadi
- Chit Chor
Amol Palekar’s personal life
Talking about Amol’s personal life, he had two marriages. His first marriage was to filmmaker Chitra Palekar, which was also a reason for him to step into the world of acting. Chitra Palekar is an actress and writer who has appeared in and written for several films since her debut in 1982.
Chitra Palekar has always been associated with alternative cinema. She worked as an assistant to Amol Palekar on many of his films, including Kachchi Dhoop (1987), The Square Circle (1996), Kairee (1999), and Dhyasparva (2001), among others. In 2006, at the age of almost 60, she made her directorial debut with Maati Maay, which she also directed.
But this marriage did not last long, and the two parted ways in 2001. After which Amol married screenplay writer Sangeeta Gokhale. Amol has two daughters from both marriages. Her daughter Shalmalee Palekar fought for LGBT rights and said she feels super happy when the supreme court verdict came in favor of the LGBT community.
Amol Palekar was also honoured with several awards for his works. In 1996, Amol received the first National Award for “Daayara”.
FAQs
Who is Amol Palekar?
Amol Palekar is an Indian actor and film director best known for his roles in middle-class, realistic Hindi films, especially Golmaal.
What is Amol Palekar’s age?
He was born on 24 November 1944 and is 81 years old as of 2026.
Is Amol Palekar alive now?
Yes, Amol Palekar is alive and remains active in cultural and artistic circles.
Who is Amol Palekar’s wife?
His wife is Sandhya Palekar.
Does Amol Palekar have children or a son?
Details about his children are not publicly disclosed.
What are the best Amol Palekar movies?
Some of his best movies include Golmaal, Rajnigandha, Chhoti Si Baat, and Baton Baton Mein.
Did Amol Palekar direct films?
Yes, he is also a respected film and television director, known for parallel and art cinema.
Conclusion
Amol Palekar occupies a unique and enduring place in Indian cinema. As an actor, he broke stereotypes and gave voice to the aspirations of the urban middle class. As a director, he explored nuanced human emotions with intellectual depth. Decades after his debut, his films, songs, and performances continue to remain relevant, making him one of the most respected and evergreen figures in Indian cultural history.