09 October,2026 07:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Nana Patekar, Sonali Bendre, Madhuri Dixit (Pics/PTI, Special Arrangements)
Veteran actor Nana Patekar was supposed to make a special appearance on the premiere episode of Madhuri Dixit-hosted Kon Honar Crorepati (KHC), the Marathi version of Kaun Banega Crorepati, with the shoot scheduled for this weekend. However, fate had other plans. He passed away on Thursday, leaving a void in the industry. Now, the episode will be graced by Sonali Bendre.
Nana Patekar, who worked with Madhuri in the 1998 film Wajood, was also scheduled to shoot for the premiere episode over the weekend. He and Sonali were set to be among the show's first celebrity guests, with more prominent Maharashtrian celebrities expected to appear in the coming months. After his demise, the premiere episode will now be graced by Sonali Bendre. Notably, despite their illustrious film careers, Madhuri and Sonali have never shared the screen in a film.
Following his passing, Madhuri shared her heartfelt condolences on Instagram, writing, "A great artist, a powerful personality and an unforgettable voice⦠With Nana Patekar's passing, the film industry has lost a treasured and legendary actor. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. A heartfelt tribute."
Patekar passed away on Thursday after suffering a severe cardiac arrest in Goa. He was taken to Manipal Hospital, where doctors tried to revive him for around 45 minutes, but he could not be saved. The actor's mortal remains were brought to the cremation ground in Pune after his fans paid their last respects by offering garlands. He was cremated with full state honours at his Donje farmhouse in Pune on Thursday night. Panaji Police registered an Unnatural Death (UD) case under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) following the veteran actor's death.
With a rare first-time pairing, personal revelations and a meaningful cause at its heart, the grand premiere promises an engaging start to the new chapter of Kon Honar Crorepati with Madhuri Dixit. Tune in to watch the grand premiere of Kon Honar Crorepati on October 12 at 9 pm on Sony Marathi and Sony LIV.
