The passing of celebrated actor Nana Patekar at age 75 has left the Indian film industry and his admirers in profound grief. Beyond his fiery dialogue delivery and command over intense cinematic roles, those who knew him closely remember an extraordinarily grounded individual. Following his demise, acclaimed photographer Atul Kasbekar reflected on their bond, recounting a vivid personal encounter that captured the veteran artist's warmth, hospitality, and unpretentious demeanour away from the camera.
A Memorable Portrait Shoot Near Pune
Kasbekar revisited the time he photographed Nana Patekar for his exhibition project titled 'Honest: Portraits of Character'. Likely standing among the legendary performer's final formal studio portraits, the session took place following an invitation to Patekar's farmhouse located near Pune. As the photography team began their journey toward the destination, Patekar called ahead with an immediate enquiry regarding how many individuals were traveling together. The query stemmed purely from his desire to ensure sufficient lunch was arranged for the entire group.
Serving Meals Personally to Drivers and Assistants
Upon arriving at the estate, the visiting crew witnessed genuine hospitality free of hierarchy or celebrity pretense. Patekar seated every single member of the traveling team in his private dining area, including camera assistants, spot boys, and drivers. The veteran actor walked around the table personally serving second helpings of flatbreads and his famous home-cooked mutton curry. An artist known for dominating film sets simply by raising an eyebrow chose instead to cater directly to every visiting technician. Afterward, he proudly gave Kasbekar a tour of the grounds and his personal gymnasium, effortlessly performing a dozen tricep dips without any warm-up.
Sharp Wit About His Own Final Rites
During the same farmhouse visit, Patekar revealed a stacked pile of wood reserved specifically for his future funeral pyre. Pointing out the timber, he explained in characteristic humorous fashion that he kept the logs bone dry so they would not generate heavy smoke. He quipped that visitors attending his final journey should not be shedding tears merely because smoke stung their eyes. Kasbekar noted how only a personality like Nana Patekar could view life and mortality with such disarming irreverence, pairing a stern exterior with unconditional generosity.
Final Rites Performed with State Honours in Donje
After breathing his last in Goa, Patekar's mortal remains were brought to Donje village in rural Pune district for his final rites. On Thursday, the 75-year-old actor was cremated with full state honours in his ancestral village, where his son Malhar lit the funeral pyre. Prominent leaders from across Maharashtra's political spectrum attended the ceremony to pay floral tributes, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, Eknath Shinde, state minister Chandrakant Patil, Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol, and Congress leader Bhai Jagtap. Mourners and family members bid a solemn farewell to an irreplaceable creative force.
