The film fraternity is mourning the loss of legendary actor Nana Patekar, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 75 following a cardiac arrest. Among the many tributes pouring in, director Rohit Shetty shared a touching anecdote highlighting the late actor’s immense generosity. Recalling the time he approached Patekar for a cameo in the 2017 hit ‘Golmaal Again,’ Shetty revealed that when he asked about his professional fee, the veteran actor simply retorted, “Tujhse paise lunga?” Instead of accepting payment, Patekar instructed the director to donate the amount to an orphanage, showcasing the unfiltered and genuine nature that defined his personality.
Shetty’s tribute went beyond professional admiration, offering a glimpse into their personal rapport. The filmmaker fondly remembered their late-night phone calls, which were devoid of formalities and often involved Patekar’s sharp, honest feedback on his work. Shetty noted that the ‘Tirangaa’ actor was one of his most sincere critics who never sugar-coated his opinions. “I will miss being called Shetty by you,” the director wrote in his heartfelt social media post, acknowledging the void left by a man he deeply respected.
Fellow actor Akshay Kumar, who shared screen space with Patekar in films like ‘Welcome’ and the upcoming ‘Housefull 5,’ also took to social media to express his grief. Reflecting on Patekar’s rare intensity and screen presence, Kumar stated that the late actor had a unique ability to command attention without needing to do much. He expressed his gratitude for the memories created on set and admitted it is difficult to come to terms with the loss of such a one-of-a-kind performer.
Nana Patekar’s illustrious career spanned decades, starting with his 1978 debut ‘Gaman’ and evolving into iconic roles in ‘Parinda,’ ‘Krantiveer,’ and ‘Ab Tak Chhappan.’ Even in his final years, he remained a powerhouse of talent, working on projects like ‘Housefull 5,’ Vishal Bhardwaj’s ‘O’Romeo,’ and the upcoming ‘Subedar.’ According to Dr. Shekhar Salkar of Manipal Hospital, the actor suffered a cardiac arrest at his residence, and despite 45 minutes of CPR efforts, he could not be revived.