Tiger Warning: Death is mentioned in this article.
Humble from the beginning, this actor’s journey is no less than extraordinary. From painting the zebra crossing at the age of 11, to leave his rich film career to serve in the Kargil war, his life has been a will for flexibility and dedication. Struggling with personal disadvantages, he once a day after his son passed 60 cigarettes. Over the years, he shared the screen with legends like Rishi Kapoor in Hum Dono and collaborated with Shah Rukh Khan in Raju Ban Gaya Gaia and Shakti: The Power. Today, he stands as a revered icon in Indian cinema. Can you guess who he is?
If you have not yet estimated it, it is none other than Nana Patekar. His journey is an unwavering relationship for flexibility, talent and their roots. Born in an agricultural family in Murud-Janjira, now Rayagad, part of Maharashtra, his path was easy for fame.
Long before becoming a famous actor, Nana portrayed the Zebra crossing to a survival on the streets and even worked in a stone mine at the age of 11. During an episode of Curson Banega Karkarpeti 16, he said, “We used to paint the zebra crossing and earned Rs 15 for it. With that amount.” Despite these difficulties, she never defined the situation.
Vanavas actor’s Bollywood journey began in 1978 with Gaman, where he played a negative role. However, it was the sleeper hit Ankush (1986) that put him on the map, showing his unique intensity and acting skills.
Over the years, he produced an impressive filmography, in which with recommended and commercially successful films such as Parinda, Crantivor, Tricolor, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi and Bhoot. His recreational performance gave him a national award for the best supportive actor in Agni Sakshi, and strengthened his place in the industry.
Despite his success, the actor is deeply connected to his simple lifestyle. Even today, when not doing films, they cultivate their land, cultivate fruits and grains. His career has also given him financial success, with an estimated net value of Rs 80 crore by 2024, mainly from films and endorsements.
Beyond the spotlight, Nana Patekar has faced a deep personal fight. In an interview with Lallantop, he once shared that his eldest son, Durvasa, was born with health complications affecting his vision. Initially, he struggled with social perceptions about his child’s position, but later recognized the importance of sympathy on external decisions. Sadly, he lost his son only after two and a half years, an incident that sent him in shock.
During this challenging period, he developed a smoking addiction, which consumed up to 60 cigarettes a day. It was his sister’s heartbreaking words when he saw her cough, which immediately quit smoking. He felt the effect of his choice and left the habit on the same day.
Interestingly, Nana is one of the few Bollywood stars who separated their profession to serve the nation. His dedication to the Indian Army began preparing for his film Prahar: The Final Attack in the early 1990s. He trained with the Maratha Light Infantry for three years, gaining military experience for the first time.
When the Kargil war broke out in 1999, it was firm to contribute. On Kaun Banega Crorepati 16, he shared that although permission was initially denied, he reached out to Defense Minister George Fernandes, who approved him after knowing about his pre -training.
Nana then spent more than two weeks on the frontline, assisted soldiers and worked in a base hospital. Extreme conditions took a toll on his body and he lost 20 kg during his time in Kargil.
Despite these difficulties, he resumed his film career, continuing powerful performance. He was last seen in Anil Sharma’s Wanawa.
Nana Patekar’s journey from an actor from a humble beginning to an actor, is a will for patience, talent and an unwavering spirit.
Also read: 9 Best Nana Patekar Comedy movies that add the correct ‘Tadka’ of humor
