'Nana Patekar advised me to not use glycerine': Dimple Kapadia recalls late actor's on-set advice

Nana Patekar and Dimple Kapadia pic via Instagram

Veteran actress Dimple Kapadia has revisited a memorable moment from the sets of Tum Milo Toh Sahi, revealing how Nana Patekar encouraged her to rely on her acting rather than glycerine to deliver an emotional scene. Her recollection offers a glimpse into the actor's demanding yet collaborative approach to filmmaking.

‘Dialogue yaad kar': Nana's advice on set

During a courtroom sequence in Tum Milo Toh Sahi (2010), Kapadia had to portray an emotional moment. Instead of relying on glycerine to produce tears, Patekar encouraged her to draw on her acting skills and deliver the scene naturally. In an interview with Filmfare, Dimple Kapadia recalled his words: "Dimple glycerine nahi lene ka, dialogue yaad kar."

The seemingly straightforward instruction reflected Nana Patekar's emphasis on preparation, authenticity and performance. According to Dimple, he was not concerned solely with his own screen presence; he also wanted his co-stars to perform at their best.

Dimple Kapadia called Nana Patekar 'brutally honest'

Dimple Kapadia's memories, however, go beyond acting lessons. Speaking to The Times of India, she described Nana Patekar as "generous and brutally honest," suggesting that his forthright personality could sometimes be misunderstood.

Their professional association spanned several films, including Prahaar: The Final Attack (1991), Krantiveer (1994), Tum Milo Toh Sahi (2010) and the Welcome franchise. Their collaborations showcased different shades of their performances, from intense drama to comedy.

Dimple Kapadia also recalled Nana Patekar's spontaneous approach to filmmaking. In another anecdote shared with The Times of India, she described how he began knitting when he noticed her character's knitting needles in a scene, helping make the moment feel more natural.

In its report on Dimple Kapadia's recollections, NDTV highlighted the actor's intimidating presence on set alongside his willingness to help fellow performers. His approach could be demanding, but Dimple Kapadia's anecdotes reveal a colleague invested in the overall quality of a film. Ultimately, the glycerine remark captures a larger lesson about performance: technical aids can support a scene, but preparation and emotional conviction remain central to convincing acting. Through these memories, Dimple offers a personal glimpse of a performer whose influence extended beyond his own lines and into the craft of those working beside him.