Chitra Palekar Shares Her Creative Journey In Marathi Autobiography 'Tar… Ashi Saari Gammat'

You must live under a rock if you haven't heard of a powerhouse creative personality called Chitra Palekar. This actor, writer and director (theatre/films) has been a known face in experimental theatre and later movies. Her works in theatre as an actress and writer allowed her to dabble in films with equal aplomb. She has written the following movies – Thodasa Roomani Ho Jaaye, Daayra, Kairee, Dhyasparva and Maati Maay and directed Maati Maay. Her acting credits include Akriet, Happy Journey and Waterbaby.

She has finally launched her autobiography to tell her story. Written in Marathi and published by Majestic Publishing House, it will be a treat for her fans who want to know more about her journey into being a creative genius.

Excerpts from the interview:

Tar.. Ashi Saari Gammat seems like an autobiography in which you have a lot to say. What can readers find in the autobiography about Chitra Palekar?

Yes. Tar… Ashi Saari Gammat (So… It’s All Been Fun) is an autobiography. The readers will find in it how I came to be what I am today… the people who influenced me, the incidents that affected me, and the various turning points in my life of more than seven decades. The title seems very unlike any autobiography. The title usually reflects the writer's perspective, does it not? Well, the title of my book shows the way I look at my life… with a smile!

One would say the autobiography took some time to come out. I did write it over a long time… nearly six years. I was writing it for my pleasure.

There was no deadline or pressure. I wanted to enjoy the process of writing. Honestly, I don't enjoy doing things hurriedly. I came out with the book when I felt the process was complete.

Is it easy to write about life journeys especially the ones that you might feel are too personal? How has the process of writing Tar.. Ashi Saari Gammat been for you?

As I have already said, I enjoyed myself thoroughly, got in touch with memories I had almost forgotten and got new perspectives.

How did the world of theatre and movies come into your life? Was it a natural progression?

In the late sixties and seventies of the 20th century, almost the same people involved in experimental theatre also believed in alternate cinema. There was a lot of give and take between the people involved in either medium. For me, theatre became a passion after watching Satyadev Dubey and his films. I began seeing world cinema in a film society.

Was writing and direction a natural progression of your involvement in theatre and movies?

Frankly, acting in theatre was my first love and remained so. However, when I had the experience of the various technical aspects of filmmaking, they too became a great joy and passion. In the book I have described this entire journey, with its many ups and downs and faux pas!! 

Your association with alternate cinema is well-known. How have you seen this genre of cinema and the work you were part of changed the viewers? Do you think it makes an impact?

In the ‘70s, there was a clear difference between popular cinema based on ‘entertainment-formulae’ and alternate cinema based on issues. The latter was seen only by a very small number of people. But now, that difference is reduced. Many good films are being made. They are also appreciated by a larger number of people.

All the movies you have written and directed have been about making an impact. Was it intentional? How was the process of writing and directing some of them?

When one writes or directs, it is always with an intention. One always hopes the work makes an impact on the viewers and brings about at least a small change in their attitude. Whether one succeeds or not ultimately is another matter. In any case, I always tremendously enjoy the process itself.

Coming such a long way and now writing Tar.. Ashi Saari Gammat, how do you look at your journey professionally and personally?

I am happy… content!

Did you feel the need to exclude an important chunk of your life from the book? Why?

If you read the book, you will find that I have shared whatever I now feel is important.

Lastly, one fond episode you would want to share from Tar.. Ashi Saari Gammat?

The whole book is full of fond, funny episodes; for example, my first meeting with Satyadev Dube or my experiences at big film functions. Why not let the reader discover this ‘gammat’? The English version is currently a work in progress.

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