PTI
Mumbai
Rajinikanth, Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Manisha Koirala, Madhuri Dixit, Alia Bhatt and several other cine personalities across industries on Thursday expressed shock at the sudden death of Nana Patekar, remembering the actor for his fearless personality and distinctive screen presence.
“I can’t believe my dear friend Nanaji is no longer with us. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace,” Rajinikanth posted on X.
Akshay, who famously worked with Nana in the 2007 comedy blockbuster ‘Welcome’ where the veteran actor’s character of don Uday Shetty earned him an ardent fanbase, said he was deeply saddened by the actor’s passing.
“He was one of those rare actors who never needed to do too much to make you sit up and watch. That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance – he was completely his own,” Akshay wrote in a post on X.
Shah Rukh, who worked with Patekar on the 1992 movie ‘Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman’, remembered him as a “masterful actor and an unbeatable carrom champion”.
According to the superstar, Patekar had a strange way of showing affection. “He would shout at you first, and then somewhere between the third or fourth insult, you realised you were being hugged. He loved me and I loved him back. He was a mentor, a teacher, a critic and a friend who beat me and everyone else around him in carrom game after game and relished his victories.”
“All I can say is, I will miss you dearly and carry your words in my heart till the end of time….’hero banne ke chakkar mein actor mat khona’. May your soul rest in peace Nana and Allah bless you,” he said.
Manisha, who collaborated with Nana on acclaimed movies ‘Khamoshi: The Musical’ and ‘Agni Sakshi’, said she is saddened by his demise. “A remarkable presence and a true stalwart of the craft. His contribution to cinema and his dedication to his craft will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace,” she said.
Superstar Salman Khan, Nana’s co-star from ‘Khamoshi’, wrote on social media, “Nanaaaa… Rest in peace.”
Madhuri, who featured with Nana in ‘Parinda’ and ‘Prahaar’, remembered him as a “great artist, an influential personality and an unforgettable voice”. “With Nana Patekar’s passing, the film industry has lost a truly priceless and legendary artist. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones,” she said on Instagram.
Paresh Rawal, another co-star from ‘Welcome’, posted on X, “Bhau… Nana Saheb. Insanely honest and intense. Love and respect for ever.”
Sunny Deol said though he never shared screen space with Nana, he will forever miss the actor. “Still can’t believe Nana is not among us… We always shared a very special bond that went back many years. Fearless, full of life, he always did what he wanted to do. That’s how I’ll always remember him. Will miss you, Nana,” he wrote.
Alia said Nana was one of a kind. “Farewell, Nana Sir. You’ve made the world laugh, cry, and feel so much more in between,” she added.
Calling Patekar a “legend”, Madhavan said he was deeply moved and inspired by his performance in the 1991 critically-acclaimed movie film ‘Prahaar: The Final Attack’.
“Thank you for the unforgettable moments in the Theatres, and the invaluable lessons to actors… There will be none other like you, sir. RIP,” he said.
Anupam Kher, who is currently in the US, said Nana’s sudden death was “incredibly difficult” to accept.
“Direct, unpretentious, with his own way of saying even the most difficult things. I will miss you, my friend. Your warmth. Your hugs.”
Javed Akhtar said, “Today we have lost only an unusual and unique actor but a true Indian rooted in our motherland always with Guts to call a spade a spade . Nana saheb like me millions and millions will miss you.”
Raveena Tandon said she shared a wonderful rapport, built on mutual respect, warmth and genuine fondness. “He was truly lionhearted – courageous, strong and generous in spirit. I will always cherish the memories of the time we spent working together.”
Sanjay Dutt said Nana’s death is a huge loss to the film industry. Manoj Bajpayee said Nana’s journey in cinema had inspired many aspiring actors who came to Mumbai hoping to make a career in films.
Kangana Ranaut said the news was particularly shocking because Patekar appeared to be in good health. Ranveer Singh and Kiara Advani paid tribute to Patekar by sharing a photograph of him on her Instagram Stories.
Hrithik Roshan said he will always seek inspiration from Nana’s “hard-hitting performances, effortless comic timing and unforgettable characters”.
