Nana Patekar: Fire And Fury, But Also Compassionate And Considerate
Often, the screen image of an actor tends to stick. For years, Bollywood's Pran was viewed as a rank bad villain till he switched. Comedian Asrani, also from the same stable, was a joker on screen. But they were not quite that. Off-screen, Pran was quite a nice guy, and Asrani reportedly rubbed people the wrong way. Once, he was reportedly seen throwing his weight at a hotel reception in Ooty…
Nana Patekar, the renowned Indian actor who died on October 8, 2021, in Goa's Dona Paula, was known for his fiery screen presence and controversial off-screen behavior. Born in a small village in Maharashtra, Patekar spent most of his adult life in Goa, where he earned three National Film Awards for his intense and powerful performances.
Patekar's on-screen roles often depicted him as a ruffian, crude, and inconsiderate, with a powerful aura that sent shivers down his opponents' spines. Films like Krantiveer (1994), Parinda (1989), and Anna Seth (1987) showcased his intense screen presence. In Khamoshi (1996), he appeared more amiable, dancing and frolicking on the sands with his co-star Helen.
Off-screen, Patekar was known to be a compassionate friend to farmers, deeply affected by the agrarian crisis in Maharashtra. He supported their cause through the Naam Foundation, co-founded in 2015 with actor Makarand Anaspure. Despite his controversial reputation, Patekar lived a modest life, never driving a luxury car and residing in a simple house. He also served in the Kargil war, fighting alongside soldiers.
However, Patekar's temper and outspoken nature often caused intense anguish for those around him. The actor admitted to his own behavior, rueing that he could not control his outbursts. He faced controversy when Tanushree Dutta accused him of sexual harassment, though the allegations were never proven. Despite these controversies, Patekar's legacy continues to live on, with the harsh criticism following him even after his untimely death.
Written by urgent.news from Free Press Journal's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
