Nana Patekar was never a fan of violent action movies. In an exclusive conversation with The Daily Jagran, held during the promotion of Vanvaas (2024), he said he found such violence tiring and unnecessary. He also said he likes simple stories like Munna Bhai.
Nana Patekar Doesn't Like Violent Massy Films
The veteran actor said he was tired of seeing blood and violence on screen, and that he had come to dislike the colour red. He added that some violence in films was justified, but many showed unnecessary violence.
Nana Patekar said, "Main khoon kharaba dekhkar thak gaya hoon. Mujhe laal rang se nafrat hogyi hai. Waise bhi main kabhi nahi chahta tha. Halaki hamari purani filmein hain, usmein ek hota hai ek violence hai jo jayaz hai aur kayi filmein aisi hoti hain jismein violence najayaz hota hai. Uski zarurat nahi hoti."
His words seemed aimed at the kind of mass action films now common across Hindi and regional cinema.
He then spoke about the hero-style scenes he could not take seriously. These were scenes where a man hits one person, cars fly in the air, and he then fights 50 to 100 people at once. Patekar said such scenes made him laugh, and he could not watch those films.
"Aur mein uss filmo ko dekhna...matlab mujhe hassi aati hai. Yaha mene par maara aur waha kuch gaadi udd gayi fir mein ek hi waqt mein 50-100 logo ko maar raha hoon. Vese filmein mein dekh nahi paata."
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Speaking about Vanvaas, he said he grew up watching simple films. He named Mother India, Ganga Jamuna and Do Ankhen Barah Haath among the films he enjoyed.
He also said he had watched Sanjay Dutt's Munna Bhai. According to him, simple stories like that say a lot and leave viewers with something to take home.
Nana Patekar was an honest and humble actor who spoke his mind without a filter. His death leaves a void in Indian cinema. His words from that 2024 conversation now read as a reminder of the kind of cinema he believed in.
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Nana Patekar Cremation
Nana Patekar's body will be taken to his farmhouse in Donje (also spelled Donaje) village, near Khadakwasla in Pune, where his final rites will take place. Work has already begun on a plot of land near the farmhouse to prepare for the cremation. According to India Today, JCB machines are being used, and volunteers from his foundation, Naam, are helping.
He was found unconscious at his home and rushed to a private hospital. Senior doctor Dr Shekhar Salkar said doctors gave him CPR for about 45 minutes but could not revive him. He was declared dead at 5:20 AM.
Nana Patekar's memorable performances made him one of Indian cinema's most distinctive actors.
FAQ
1. Where will Nana Patekar's last rites take place?
The veteran actor's final rites will be performed at his Donje farmhouse near Khadakwasla in Pune, Maharashtra.
2. What honors will Nana Patekar receive for his funeral?
The Maharashtra government has decided to accord Nana Patekar a full state funeral in recognition of his monumental contributions to Hindi and Marathi cinema as well as theatre.
3. What was Nana Patekar's role in the film Vanvaas?
In Anil Sharma's Vanvaas, Nana Patekar played a central role, portraying a father navigating an emotional narrative focused on family, sacrifice, and duty.