Sachin Pilgaonkar releases autobiography 'Hach Maza Marg' as he completes 50 years in film industry

The autobiography of veteran actor-filmmaker Sachin Pilgaonkar, better known only by his first name, was released by legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.

The autobiography titled Hach Maza Marg was released in the presence of actor(s) Amitabh Bachchan and Sonu Nigam, who also released the memoir's online version.

Incidentally, the autobiography is called Hach Maza Marg, which roughly translated means, 'This only is my way', while the 56-year-old actor's debut film way back in 1962 was Ha Maza Marg Ekla ('I have to tread the path alone').

Sachin has completed 50 years in the Indian film industry, which recently turned 100. While he has given gems like Ashi Hi Banwabanwi, Gammat Jammat in Marathi, in Hindi he has been part of classics like Sholay, Nadiyaan Ke Paar, and Trishul.

Speaking on the occasion, Sachin Tendulkar said, “Sachinji has been enthralling audience for 50 years with his multi-faceted personality.”

Drawing a parallel from cricket, he said “when a batsman scores 50 runs, the journey towards 100 becomes very exciting. The batsman starts predicting the balls, and is only focused towards scoring that century. Sachinji has completed 50 glorious years and now the journey ahead is going to be even more rewarding. So I wish him best for the same.”

Amitabh Bachchan said, “Indian cinema had completed 100 years and Sachin has completed 50 years in the industry. Which implies that Sachin has been part of half of this journey, this itself is a great achievement and I wish him on behalf of millions of viewers best luck for the grand journey ahead.”

Another highlight of the event was a hitherto-not-seen scene of Sholay was shown to the audience. The scene depicting the death of Sachin's character in the movie was later re-short to replace the original version. Though the movie has had several TV premiers till date, this particular scene was never shown.character in the movie was later re-shot to replace the original version.

Speaking on the occasion, movie director Ramesh Sippy said, “His (Sachin's) style marks a particular kind of sensitivity that is best reflected through his acting and treatment of films. He is one of those sensitive people whose work is laced with emotion and passion. He is a keen observer of human relationships and his films and entire work reflect the same. He is no doubt one of the most versatile actors of the Indian film industry.”

As expected, moved to tears by the speeches of stalwarts lauding his work, Sachin said, “This is a golden day of my life. I am dedicating my journey of 50 years to you (family, friends, industry and fans). Now my life ahead is a new chapter for me, promising new experiences and new learning. I want to be attached to the camera till the last moment of my life.”

The event "Suvarna Sachin", a tribute to the evergreen filmmaker, was organised by Zee Marathi on September 5 at Mumbai's Bhaidas Auditorium, Vile Parle, a western suburb of Mumbai.

Among others who graced the glittering event included Sulochanadidi, Govind Nihlani, Bappi Lahiri, Rajkumar Badjatya, Kanwaljeet, Shailendra Singh, Ashok Saraf, Suresh Wadkar, Ashutosh Rana, Renuka Shahane, Mahesh Manjarekar, Sachin Khedekar, Sudesh Bhonsale, Reema, Kiran Shantaram, Mrunal Kulkarni, Nivedita Saraf, and Varsha Usgaonkar.