Veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away on Thursday at the age of 75. According to reports, the actor was found unconscious at his residence in Goa and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead.
Nana’s demise has left the film fraternity mourning the loss of one of Indian cinema’s most respected performers. Among those remembering the veteran actor is Shah Rukh Khan, who shared a heartfelt note with a throwback picture with the late actor on social media, recalling his first interaction with Nana and the lessons he carried with him over the years.
Shah Rukh remembered Nana for his candid personality and his ability to say exactly what he felt, without worrying about how his words would be received. Recalling their first meeting, the actor revealed that Nana immediately corrected him when he tried to style his hair like a Bollywood hero.
Taking to Instagram, Shah Rukh wrote, “When I first met him, out of awe and awkwardness I fiddled with my hair. He slapped my hand away and said ‘hero ki tarah Baal mat bana…tu actor hai’!”
Reflecting on Nana’s straightforward nature, Shah Rukh added that the veteran actor was never one to offer unnecessary praise or say things simply to please someone. “He didn’t flatter you. He didn’t tell you what you wanted to hear. He told you what you needed to hear,” he wrote.
Remembering his personality, he wrote, “That was Nana. Straightforward. Rough, honest and had the most beautiful smile.”
In his tribute, Shah Rukh also recalled Nana’s memorable advice to him, “Hero banne ke chakar mein actor mat khona.”
For Shah Rukh, Nana was more than a celebrated actor. He remembered him as a mentor, critic and friend, while also fondly recalling their carrom games, where Nana was an unbeatable champion.
Also Read: Nana Patekar’s Filmfare Award-Winning Performances
