{
  "id": 4231374,
  "title": "From 60 cigarettes a day to 20 years smoke-free: Nana Patekar’s quit-smoking story",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/from-60-cigarettes-a-day-to-20-years-smoke-free-nana-patekars-quit",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-29T16:30:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/people/nana-patekar-quit-cigarette-smoking-emotional-turning-point-psychiatrist-explains-10565815/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Renowned actor Nana Patekar recounted the event that led to his decision to quit smoking after decades of heavy use in a recent interview. The actor revealed that he consumed an average of 60 cigarettes daily, often smoking three packs a day, even while bathing. Smoking had become an integral part of his life, causing social embarrassment as well as health concerns. Dr Abhinit Kumar, a psychiatrist, explained that strong emotional experiences can trigger an immediate shift in behaviour, even in long-term smokers. Patekar's turning point occurred when his sister lost her only son, and he was smoking a cigarette while coughing. His sister confronted him about his addiction, saying, \"What else do I still have left to see?\" This emotional shock prompted Patekar to quit cigarettes permanently, not just for five days, but for the next 20 years.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Nana Patekar smoked 60 cigarettes daily, consuming three packs a day",
    "Sister's loss of son prompted Patekar to quit smoking permanently",
    "Emotional confrontation led to 20-year smoke-free commitment"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}