“He did it for just Rs 21,000”: Annu Kapoor recalls Nana Patekar’s kindness
Actor-director Annu Kapoor shares emotional memories of Nana Patekar, revealing how the legend worked for just ₹21,000 for his debut film Abhay.
The Indian film industry is in deep mourning following the sudden passing of veteran actor Nana Patekar. The legendary performer breathed his last on Thursday at the age of 75, after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Goa. As news of his demise spread, colleagues and friends have begun sharing heartfelt tributes, highlighting the man behind the intense screen presence.
Among those deeply affected is actor and director Annu Kapoor, who shared a poignant memory that reveals the immense generosity and trust Patekar held for his fellow artists.
A gesture of immense trust
Recalling his directorial debut, the film Abhay, Annu Kapoor revealed a side of Nana Patekar that few knew. The film, a Hindi children's story based on Oscar Wilde’s The Canterville Ghost, featured Patekar in the role of a ghost named Rana.
Kapoor noted that at the time of filming, Patekar was at the absolute zenith of his stardom. While he was commanding fees in the range of Rs 65-70 lakh for his services, he chose to support Kapoor’s vision in a completely different way.
“You will be surprised to know that he did that film for just Rs 21,000,” Kapoor remarked, noting that Patekar agreed to the role solely because he believed in the script and the director.“Saddened and shocked”
Expressing his grief to the media, Annu Kapoor admitted that the news has left him reeling. He described the loss as sudden and untimely, making it difficult to process the reality of the situation.
“I am saddened and shocked by Nana Patekar’s sudden and untimely death. I have many personal memories with Nana Patekar, and I will never be able to forget them,” Kapoor said. He further added that Patekar always appeared to be a remarkably fit and energetic individual, making his passing even harder to accept.
The end of an era
Nana Patekar’s journey in Indian cinema was nothing short of legendary. He rose to prominence with his performance in Gaman in 1978 and went on to define several eras of Hindi cinema with powerhouse performances in films such as:
- Parinda
- Prahar
- Krantiveer
- Tiranga
- Khamoshi
- Ab Tak Chhappan
Even in his later years, Patekar remained active in the industry, with recent appearances in projects like Housefull 5, O’Romeo, and Subedar. His death marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of Indian film.