Actor Aneet Padda is reflecting on the profound impact of working with the late Nana Patekar, describing their time together on the set of Shakti Shalini as an unforgettable life lesson. In a heartfelt social media tribute, Padda recalled her first meeting with the veteran star, admitting she was so intimidated by his honest and unfiltered presence that she could barely speak. She noted that watching the legendary actor navigate life and cinema with simplicity, far removed from the usual noise of fame, provided her with a masterclass in what it truly means to be a performer.
For Padda, the realization that she shared the screen with Patekar during one of his final film projects feels entirely surreal. Expressing immense gratitude for the opportunity to have crossed paths with him so early in her own career, she emphasized that the lessons she learned just by observing his craft are ones she will carry for the rest of her life. She remembered him as a man who lived strictly on his own terms and remained unapologetically himself until the very end.
Director Aditya Sarpotdar also paid a touching tribute to the icon, highlighting the childlike enthusiasm and curiosity Patekar brought to every project. Sarpotdar shared memories of their time together at the actor’s farmhouse, noting that Patekar was never just an actor on set; he was a collaborator who cared deeply about the script, the world of the film, and his fellow performers. He described the late star as someone who lived for cinema and constantly sought to elevate every project he touched. Nana Patekar passed away this Thursday and was laid to rest with full state honours at his farmhouse in Pune.