Amole Gupte is an Indian filmmaker, screenwriter, actor, and children’s rights activist known for his significant contributions to Indian cinema, particularly in films centered around children and social issues.
Early Life & Background
Amole Gupte was born in Mumbai, India. He developed a keen interest in storytelling, cinema, and theater from a young age. He actively participated in stage plays and creative arts before transitioning into mainstream filmmaking.
Career in Filmmaking & Screenwriting
- Taare Zameen Par (2007) – Gupte originally conceived, wrote, and developed this film about a dyslexic child, which was later directed by Aamir Khan. Although there were creative differences that led to Aamir taking over as director, Gupte remained the film’s creative director and writer. The film was widely praised and brought attention to learning disabilities in children.
- Stanley Ka Dabba (2011) – His directorial debut, this film was about a schoolboy who doesn’t bring lunch to school. It was highly acclaimed for its emotional depth and was shot organically without a conventional script, allowing children to act naturally.
- Hawaa Hawaai (2014) – A film about a young boy aspiring to become a skater, Hawaa Hawaai was another touching story highlighting childhood dreams and struggles.
- Sniff!!! (2017) – A children’s adventure film that revolved around a boy with an extraordinary sense of smell.
Acting Career
Amole Gupte has also acted in various films, often playing character roles:
- Kaminey (2009) – Played the antagonist, Bhope Bhau.
- Singham Returns (2014) – Played a corrupt politician.
- Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar (2021) – Portrayed a dark and intense role.
Themes & Style
His films often center around children, education, social justice, and underprivileged communities. His storytelling is naturalistic, often featuring real children in unscripted scenarios to capture authentic emotions.
Personal Life
He is married to Deepa Bhatia, a film editor known for her work on Taare Zameen Par and Kai Po Che! They have actively worked on children’s welfare initiatives.
