A renowned Indian actor, screenwriter and director, as well as the former chairperson of the Children’s Film Society in India, Amole Gupte is best known for the Hindi film Taare Zameen Par (2007) in his capacity as creative director and screenwriter.

Born on 10 March, 1962, he completed his education from St Xavier’s School, Holy Family School and Hansraj Morarji Public School. After that, he undertook an undergraduate degree from the Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai. Amole used to be a professional painter before he established himself in the film industry.

Gupte started off by working in Marathi theatre, and participated in Ekankika competitions with Uday Tikekar and Vijay Patkar.

Later he attended the Film and Television Institute of India, and trained as an actor. At the institute, his diploma film project won him a National Award. While following his training as an actor, he maintained his interest in painting.

Gupte kickstarted his career as an actor in the film Holi (1985) along with Aamir Khan. He later played a small role as a cycle race commentator in the movie Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander (1992).

Amole Gupte’s big break came when he worked with Aamir Khan’s production house for Taare Zameen Par (2007). However, due to conflicts with Aamir, Gupte was uncredited as the director for the movie, although he was credited as the writer of the story. The film starring Darsheel Safary and Aamir Khan, explores the world of a dyslexic child and the difficulties he faces in school. The performances of the actors received widespread acclaim and the film won many awards. Gupte himself won the Filmfare Award, amongst many others, for the Best Story. This was an issue close to Gupte’s heart, as someone who is keenly invested in the rights of children.

Continuing his work on children's issues, Gupte produced and directed Stanley Ka Dabba (2011), an unusual film about a child who does not bring his tiffin or dabba to school. The poignant film explores the relationship between students and teachers through the film. His son Pratho played the lead role and received rave reviews for his performance.

Gupte’s performances in films like Kaminey (2009), Stanley Ka Dabba (2011) and Singham Returns (2014) has been appreciated by critics and audience.

His latest film Hawaa Hawai (2014), also centred on children, is the story of five boys and follows the journey of Arjun (Partho Gupte), who dreams to become a skater someday. He recently made an appearance as an actor in Ek Yodha Shoorveer (2016).