'He was my closest friend': Mithun Chakraborty mourns Nana Patekar
Mithun Chakraborty pays emotional tribute to Nana Patekar, recalling their deep friendship and Patekar's philanthropic nature after his sudden passing.
Veteran actor and West Bengal government advisor Mithun Chakraborty has expressed profound grief following the sudden passing of his dear friend and fellow performer, Nana Patekar. Speaking to the media, Chakraborty shared heartfelt reflections on the bond they shared, which extended far beyond their professional collaborations on the silver screen.
A bond beyond the silver screen
Reflecting on their relationship, Mithun Chakraborty described Patekar as one of his closest confidants. He noted that while the public often focused on the actor's professional persona, their friendship was built on a foundation that existed entirely outside the film industry.
"I am deeply saddened because he was one of my closest friends," Chakraborty remarked. He further defended Patekar against common perceptions regarding his personality, addressing the actor's reputation for having a short fuse.
Defending Patekar's temperament
Chakraborty addressed the frequent discussions regarding Patekar's "quick temper," suggesting that such outbursts were often a byproduct of frustration with disorganization rather than inherent malice. He highlighted Patekar's altruistic side, noting his willingness to assist those in need.
- The Philanthropist: Chakraborty emphasized that despite his reputation, Patekar was a man who helped many people.
- The Temperament: He suggested that anger often arises when things are not organized, noting that even he experiences such moments.
- The Friendship: He reiterated that their connection was personal and went much deeper than their work in movies.
The tragic passing of a cinema icon
Nana Patekar passed away on Thursday at the age of 75. The veteran actor, a celebrated figure in both Hindi and Marathi cinema, suffered a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa. According to Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Department of Oncology at Manipal Hospital, the situation unfolded rapidly.
Reports indicate that Patekar had sent a message to a friend around 2:30 am expressing that he was unwell. By the time his friend arrived at the residence at approximately 4:00 am, the situation had become critical. Patekar was rushed to Manipal Hospital, where medical teams attempted to revive him for 45 minutes, but ultimately, he could not be saved.
A legendary career in Indian cinema
Nana Patekar's journey in the film industry began with his debut in Gaman in 1978. Over the decades, he established himself as a powerhouse performer through a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, including:
- Parinda
- Prahar
- Angaar
- Krantiveer
- Tiranga
- Khamoshi
- Ab Tak Chhappan
In his later years, Patekar remained active in the industry, with recent appearances in Housefull 5, Vishal Bhardwaj’s O’Romeo, and a cameo in Subedar alongside Anil Kapoor and Radhika Madan.
Chakraborty and Patekar had shared the screen once before, in the 1988 film Sagar Sangam, directed by Dulal Guha. In that production, Chakraborty played Gopi, a thief seeking redemption, while Patekar portrayed Ramu Ustad, the criminal who had raised him.