08 October,2026 05:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shah Rukh Khan, Nana Patekar (Pics/AFP, Instagram)
Nana Patekar's demise has left the film industry in shock, with several celebrities mourning the loss of the veteran actor. Shah Rukh Khan also penned a heartfelt note, recalling fond memories of his time with Nana. The two actors shared screen space in films like Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Shakti, among others.
Paying a heartfelt tribute to Nana Patekar, Shah Rukh Khan recalled his first meeting with the veteran actor. The Jawan actor said that during their first meeting, he was extremely nervous and hence was fiddling with his hair. Nana Patekar slapped SRK's hand away and said, "âhero ki tarah Baal mat bana...tu actor hai'! He didn't flatter you. He didn't tell you what you wanted to hear. He told you what you needed to hear. That was Nana. Straightforward. Rough, honest and had the most beautiful smile."
Recalling the veteran actor's strange way of showing affection, he added, "He would shout at you first, and then somewhere between the third or fourth insult, you realised you were being hugged. He loved me and I loved him back. He was a mentor, a teacher, a critic and a friend who beat me and everyone else around him in carrom game after game and relished his victories."
"Nana, your intensity, laughter, madness and love will always stay with us. I just wish we had time to have more conversations, another argument, another cup of tea and a game of carrom."
Mourning the loss of the celebrated actor, Shah Rukh shared that he wished he had the time to have more conversations with the late actor, along with another cup of tea and a game of carrom.
"You have left a void not only in the world of cinema but in the hearts of all Indians and the world. All I can say is, I will miss you dearly and carry your words in my heart till the end of time.... âhero banne ke chakar mein actor mat khona'. May your soul rest in peace, Nana, and Allah bless you. The Heavens will be blessed to have you... a masterful actor and an unbeatable carrom champion. Love you and miss you dearly!! Too soon, my Hero Actor! RIP," SRK concluded.
Veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away at his Goa residence during the early hours of Thursday after suffering a heart attack. The 75-year-old actor was brought to a private hospital after he was found unconscious at his apartment at Dona Paula, near Panaji, Dr Shekhar Salkar, a senior doctor attached to the hospital, said. The actor will be cremated with full state honours in Pune.
