Hema Malini Expresses Shock Over Nana Patekar's Passing and Regrets Missing His Final Call

Veteran actor Hema Malini has expressed shock and grief over the death of Nana Patekar, recalling that she missed a phone call from the actor just a week before his passing. Although the two never worked together in a film, they remained in touch over the years. Hema revealed that she could not answer Nana’s call because she was travelling at the time.

Speaking to IANS, Hema Malini recalled their last interaction, stating that he had called her about a week prior while she was travelling, which left her shocked upon hearing the news of his death. She praised him as a great actor and an institution for acting in both the Hindi and Marathi film industries.

Hema also paid tribute to the late actor on X, remembering his contributions to Indian cinema and his work for social causes through the Naam Foundation, which supports farmers and underprivileged communities. She noted his rich legacy of films and mentioned that Nana had previously stated she was his favourite actress in classic cinema.

Nana Patekar passed away at the age of 75 following a cardiac arrest at his home in Goa. He was cremated with full state honours at his Donje farmhouse in Pune, with his son Malhar lighting the funeral pyre. Industry members including Jackie Shroff, Sajid Nadiadwala, and Anil Sharma attended the funeral, while Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited his native village to offer condolences.