Filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar is still struggling to come to terms with the sudden demise of his close friend Nana Patekar. When Nana passed away at his home in Goa on October 8, the filmmaker was away in London. He shared that the circumstances surrounding Nana's final moments continue to trouble him deeply, with his biggest bewilderment being why the actor did not seek medical assistance hours before his death when he first experienced severe discomfort.
A Friendship Spanning Over Four Decades
In a detailed conversation, Mahesh Manjrekar looked back at their bond that lasted for more than four decades. He expressed deep regret over not being able to see Nana one last time and noted that several unanswered questions still linger in his mind. The filmmaker also touched upon the historical controversy involving Tanushree Dutta, noting how that period of intense public scrutiny caused his dear friend significant mental distress.
Cardiac Arrest at the Goa Residence
Nana Patekar suffered a fatal cardiac arrest at his Dona Paula residence in Goa, passing away at the age of 75. According to Mahesh Manjrekar, the actor began feeling uneasy around 2:30 AM and informed his family about it. Nana reportedly called his older brother again at around 3:30 AM to state that he was still feeling unwell, prompting his brother to rush to his home and suggest visiting a hospital immediately.
Hospital Proximity and Dismissed Symptoms
However, Nana believed he was merely suffering from a gas issue and refused to go to the hospital. Mahesh Manjrekar pointed out that one of the finest hospitals in Goa was located a mere four minutes away from the actor's residence. Shortly after discussing his health, Nana suffered a massive heart attack. The filmmaker admitted that wondering why they did not visit the hospital when it was so close haunts him constantly, adding that accepting Nana's passing remains incredibly difficult given how fit and energetic he always appeared.
Theatre Days and Decades of Comradeship
Mahesh Manjrekar and Nana had known each other since their theatre days in the 1980s. Over roughly 42 years, their relationship evolved into a profound friendship. Describing their unique dynamic, the filmmaker explained that affectionate abuses and casual banter were simply their distinct way of expressing fondness for one another. Remembering those interactions, the filmmaker remarked that he would have scolded Nana for leaving so abruptly, especially when he was not around.
A Sudden and Unfair Departure
Reflecting on the tragedy, Mahesh Manjrekar stated that leaving in such a manner was entirely unacceptable. He noted that he would have given him a piece of his mind, telling him that he had no right to depart like that, particularly in his absence. He wished Nana could have at least fallen sick and notified them so they could have stepped in to take care of him, but the suddenness of the event made it deeply unfortunate.
Natasamrat and Addressing Past Controversies
Nana had previously worked under Mahesh Manjrekar's direction in the acclaimed Marathi film Natasamrat, where he immortalized the character of Appa Belvalkar. Remembering his friend, the filmmaker stated that if there is life after death, Nana would be the first person he would want to meet after his own family. He also addressed the controversy surrounding Tanushree Dutta that surfaced during the MeToo movement in India in 2018.
Police Closure Report and Social Media Trials
Defending his late friend, Mahesh Manjrekar stated that he personally knew several individuals who were present on the sets, and their accounts completely contradicted the allegations. He stated that the controversy was unnecessarily blown out of proportion and that Nana had to endure a lot of unwarranted suffering. Notably, the Mumbai Police investigated Tanushree's complaint and filed a closure report in 2019, stating that there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the claims.
