Actor Nana Patekar’s last rites took place late on Thursday evening at his farmhouse located in Donje village, near Pune’s Khadakwasla. The decision to hold the cremation at this late hour raised questions, particularly from members of the film industry who were present and wished to pay their final respects. However, Malhar Patekar, the late actor’s son, clarified the rationale behind this timing.

Family Response to Media Inquiries

After the cremation, Malhar Patekar addressed the media regarding the timing of the proceedings. He explained that the family had been weighing the situation and made their decision based on how much time had elapsed since the early morning passing of his father. He stated, “It isn’t about why it was done so late at night and not tomorrow. We felt that since the tragedy occurred early this morning, considerable time had already passed, so we decided to do it today itself.”

This statement aimed to provide clarity and mitigate concerns about the family’s decision. In circumstances marked by significant emotional distress, the family opted to move forward with swift arrangements for the last rites, honouring their beloved family member in a timely fashion.

Memorable Presence at the Funeral

The last rites of Nana Patekar, who passed away at the age of 75 at his residence in Goa, included full state honours. A number of notable figures from the film industry and government officials attended the ceremony. Among those present were actors such as Jackie Shroff and Pravin Tarde, as well as well-known filmmakers like Sajid Nadiadwala and Anil Sharma.

In addition to industry personalities, dignitaries from the political sphere were also in attendance. Notable figures included Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Ministers Sunetra Pawar and Eknath Shinde, former chairperson of the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission Roopali Chakankar, and the state’s Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Chandrakant Patil. Their presence reflected the high regard in which Nana Patekar was held across various sectors.

Nana Patekar’s passing marks the end of a nearly five-decade long career that profoundly impacted Indian cinema. He was revered for his exceptional versatility and ability to portray a range of characters, making him one of the industry’s most celebrated actors.

Legacy of a Versatile Actor

Nana Patekar began his illustrious journey in the realm of Marathi theatre before transitioning to films with his debut in Gaman in 1978. Over the decades, his performances have spanned various genres, showcasing his ability to oscillate between intense, vulnerable roles and those that are menacing or comically absurd. Films like Parinda, Krantiveer, and Khamoshi: The Musical are just a few examples that helped establish his enduring legacy.

His role as Uday Shetty in the 2007 film Welcome introduced a new facet of his talent. The character, alongside Anil Kapoor’s Majnu Bhai, became iconic, demonstrating Patekar’s adeptness at comedy, a departure from his typically intense roles. He reprised this popular character in the sequel Welcome Back in 2015, further cementing his place in Bollywood’s comedic lore.

In his later years, Nana continued to appear in both Hindi and Marathi films, participating in projects such as The Vaccine War, Vanvaas, and Housefull 5. His contributions to the cinematic arts earned him multiple accolades, including three National Film Awards, several Filmfare awards, and the prestigious Padma Shri, recognising his significant impact on Indian culture and film.

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