09 October,2026 07:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka Sharma
Nana Patekar and Sonali Kulkarni in ‘Taxi No 9211’. Pics/Instagram, Facebook
I have worked on three projects with Nana sir - Taxi No 9211 [2006], the Marathi films Deool [2011], and Dr Prakash Baba Amte [2014]. I went from being scared of someone called âThe Nana Patekar' to becoming someone so close to him that I started calling him Nana sir. My relationship with him had a beautiful arc - of friendship and admiration, to the extent of making fun of him. He was a dear friend, and had complete authority to call me anytime.
His acting always felt unscripted. I remember a scene from Taxi No 9211 where my character was leaving [him for good]. By the time his character rushed to see me, the train had left. The longing, pathos, and feeling of loss on his face said a lot about him as an actor. He was funny in films like Welcome [2007]. I always complimented him, saying, âSir, I really like your comedy', and he enjoyed [hearing that]. He loved, splurged money [on others], and complimented them abundantly. Nana sir lived his life on his own terms.
[I remember] I was pregnant during the promotions of Deool. When he got to know about it, he turned so soft with me. He took care of me during the film's music launch, and I was almost eight-and-a-half months pregnant then. Nana sir laughed and said, âThis is the first time I am posing with a heroine who is pregnant'.
His heart beat for farmers, and he did a lot of work for them through his NGO, Naam Foundation.
Bohot pyaar diya hai Nana sir ne. He would have hated to be ill or hospitalised. He was always fit and passionate. I'm happy for him because now he will get to meet his dearest mom again. I'm still unable to believe that we are talking about Nana sir, not because he has won an award or so, but because he's not there with us. It will take me some time to process this.
Before acting, Nana Patekar worked as a commercial painter, painting film posters and billboards in Mumbai
