Remembering Nana Patekar: A Look Back at Past Revelations on His Career, Ajay Devgn Friendship, and Set Frustrations

Reflecting on Nana Patekar's Career and Past Interviews

Following the sad news that 75-year-old actor Nana Patekar passed away due to a heart attack in Goa on the morning of October 8, a look back at past interviews reveals insights into his entry into the film industry, his friendships, and his work ethic.

During a promotion for Welcome Back in August 2015 with Bombay Times, Nana Patekar shared how Smita Patil introduced him to films. Initially offered a role as one of the rapists in Aaj Ki Awaz (1984), he refused and expressed his annoyance before Smita Patil intervened. He ultimately received another role in the film that helped him gain recognition.

In February 2018, Nana spoke about his friendship with Ajay Devgn in an interview with Mumbai Mirror, following his work in the Ajay Devgn-produced Marathi film Aapla Manus and his cameo in Golmaal Again (2017). He stated, “I did it only for Ajay. He’s a dear friend and a really nice guy. Humari dosti marte dum tak rahegi.”

Addressing reports of his anger and walking off sets in a Mid-Day interview that same month, Nana explained that he sometimes interferes on sets or walks out when scripts are unprepared and written at the last minute, noting, “I am not a machine. I can’t learn the lines in half an hour.”