Naseeruddin Shah regrets never working with Nana Patekar: ‘I loved and admired the man’

Nana Patekar left a lasting impression on Shah Rukh Khan, whom he described as a mentor, critic, and friend. Their first meeting on the set of Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman saw Nana scold the nervous Shah Rukh for touching his hair, telling him to stop acting like a hero and reminding him that he was an actor. Shah Rukh will carry Nana's words in his heart until the end of time.

Nana Patekar's affection for others was often disguised as anger; he would shout insults before hugging them. After his death, Shah Rukh expressed his sadness, stating that he wished they could have had more conversations, arguments, tea, and carrom games. Nana's death has left a void not only in cinema but in the hearts of all Indians and the world.