'Tujhse paise lunga?': Rohit Shetty recalls Nana Patekar's selfless gesture
Director Rohit Shetty shares a touching story of Nana Patekar refusing his fee for Golmaal Again following the veteran actor's passing.
The Indian film industry is in mourning following the sudden passing of veteran actor Nana Patekar. The legendary performer breathed his last at 5:20 am on Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence, according to medical officials.
In a moving tribute, blockbuster director Rohit Shetty shared a deeply personal anecdote that highlighted the late actor's legendary generosity and unfiltered personality. Shetty recalled a specific moment during the production of Golmaal Again that perfectly encapsulated the man Nana Patekar was.
'Donate it to an orphanage': A lesson in generosity
Reflecting on the negotiations for Patekar's cameo appearance in the hit comedy Golmaal Again, Shetty revealed how the actor completely bypassed the commercial aspect of the role. When Shetty attempted to discuss his professional fees, the actor responded with his trademark bluntness.
"I asked you, 'Dada, aapki fees?' And you looked at me and said, 'Tujhse paise lunga? Ek anathashram ka number deta hoon, wahan donate kar de.' That was you Dada. Straight. Unfiltered. Generous. And always genuine," Shetty wrote in a heartfelt social media post.
Shetty also reminisced about their unique bond, describing late-night phone calls where Patekar would skip all formalities, simply barking, "Aye Shetty, kya kar raha hai?" The director noted that Patekar was one of his most honest critics, never offering sugar-coated reviews after a film's release.
Akshay Kumar pays tribute to a 'one of a kind' actor
The news of Patekar's demise has sent shockwaves through Bollywood, with many co-stars expressing their grief. Actor Akshay Kumar, who shared the screen with Patekar in films like Welcome and Housefull, shared his sorrow on X (formerly Twitter).
"Really saddened by the news of Nana ji’s passing. He was one of those rare actors who never needed to do too much to make you sit up and watch. That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance… he was completely his own," Kumar posted, noting how fortunate he felt to have worked alongside the veteran.
A legendary career spanning decades
Nana Patekar was a powerhouse of talent who left an indelible mark on both Hindi and Marathi cinema. His journey began with the 1978 film Gaman, and he eventually became synonymous with intense, impactful performances in classics such as:
- Parinda
- Prahar
- Angaar
- Krantiveer
- Tiranga
- Khamoshi
- Ab Tak Chhappan
Even in his later years, the 75-year-old actor remained active in the industry. His recent projects included Housefull 5 and a role in Vishal Bhardwaj’s O’Romeo, alongside a cameo in the film Subedar. His passing marks the end of an era for Indian cinema.