Veteran actor Nana Patekar died on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75 due to a cardiac arrest. He was an acclaimed actor in the Bollywood industry as well as in Marathi cinema. 

As everyone grieves his passing, it brings the spotlight back to a story of Nana Patekar’s life that was far away from movie sets. Long before he was one of Hindi cinema's most recognisable performers, Patekar was associated with the Indian Army. 

During the 1999 Kargil War, Nana Patekar sought permission to join troops in the conflict zone and eventually spent time with soldiers there.

Initially, Patekar was denied access and was told that civilians could not simply join the Army during an active conflict. What happened next became one of the most unusual chapters in his life.

Nana Patekar And Kargil War: What Really Happened?

For Prahaar: The Final Attack, Nana Patekar took extensive military training. He trained with the Maratha Light Infantry for around three years. He gained experience in military drills and weapons handling that helped him in the movie. 

He was also associated with territorial army that gave him a deeper connection with the armed forces than that of a celebrity simply visiting soldiers.

When the Kargil conflict began in 1999, Patekar wanted to contribute beyond words. According to his interviews with The Times of India, he first approached senior Army officials but was told that, as a civilian, he could not be deployed.

He then contacted the then Defence Minister George Fernandes. Patekar explained that he had already undergone extensive military training and had national-level shooting experience. Fernandes eventually gave him permission to go.

Prahaar Movie Poster (Image Credit: YouTube @HindiMovies)

Nana Patekar Spent Around 60 Days With Army Personnel

In August 1999, Nana Patekar was posted with the Army in conflict areas. The Economic Times reported that he served as an honorary Captain. It also reported that he did patrol duties along the Line of Control and assisted at military hospitals.

Patekar later gave a more detailed account of the experience in an interview with The Lallantop.

He said he spent around 60 days with Army personnel and travelled through locations including Dras, Leh, Kupwara, Baramulla and Sopore. He also revealed that he became part of a Quick Reaction Team, or QRT.

When asked what exactly he did during his time with the Army, Patekar declined to discuss operational details.

ALSO READ: 3 National Awards, Unmatched Intensity: A Look Back At Nana Patekar’s Over Four-Decade Film Journey

‘I Lost 20 Kgs During Those Days’: Nana Patekar Recalls His Time With Army

Nana Patekar himself spoke about the physical toll of the deployment. He recalled that he weighed around 76 kg when he reached Srinagar and returned at approximately 56 kg.

The experience included time at a military hospital, where he helped with the work for a few days, according to Hindustan Times. It reported that Patekar spent more than a fortnight at the front near the Line of Control in August 1999.

For Patekar, the episode was apparently not something he considered a badge to display. He rarely spoke about it at length. In the interview reported by The Indian Express, he summed up his motivation by saying he was happy that he could do "this little bit" for the country.

Nana Patekar Spent 60 Days With Indian Army During Kargil War (Image Credit: Instagram @iamnanapatekar)

From Territorial Army Captain To Lieutenant Colonel: Nana Patekar’s Connection With Army After Kargil

Nana Patekar’s military journey had started years earlier with the Territorial Army. He was commissioned as a Captain, according to current reports. 

His Army connection continued even after Kargil. He was associated with the armed forces, even as he remained active as an actor and filmmaker.

Patekar remained with the Indian Army for several more years and eventually retired in 2013 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, according to reports.

ALSO READ: ‘Control Uday’ To ‘Ek Machhar’: How Nana Patekar Became A Gen Z Meme Icon

Nana Patekar will be remembered for his powerful performances, but his long association with the Indian Army remains one of the lesser-known chapters of his life. From Prahaar to Kargil, his connection with the forces went far beyond the screen. Did you know about this side of Nana Patekar's life?

FAQs

Q1. Was Nana Patekar in the Indian Army?

A1. Nana Patekar was associated with the Territorial Army and eventually retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Q2. Did Nana Patekar serve during the Kargil War?

A2. Yes. He served alongside Indian troops during the 1999 Kargil conflict.