Smriti Irani shares video of Nana Patekar cooking fish for her, recalls "precious" conversations with 'Parinda' star
BJP leader Smriti Irani recalls precious memories and shares a video of veteran actor Nana Patekar cooking for her following his passing.
In a deeply emotional tribute, BJP leader and former actor Smriti Irani has opened up about her personal bond with the legendary Nana Patekar, following the veteran actor's sudden demise.
Sharing a side of the Parinda star that the world rarely saw, Irani posted a moving recollection on X, accompanied by a video of the actor personally cooking fish for her. The veteran performer, known for his intense and powerful screen presence, passed away at the age of 75 after suffering a severe cardiac arrest.
'Dada': A Bond Beyond the Spotlight
For the public, he was the formidable Nana Patekar, but for Irani, he was simply "Dada." She described their relationship as one defined by raw affection and a complete lack of formalities.
"His calls were as random as they were precious. No formalities, no pleasantries. Just that familiar voice – 'Kahan hai re?'" Irani wrote, reflecting on the spontaneity of their friendship. She noted that they rarely took photographs together, a fact she now regrets as she is left with only memories.
Irani also revealed that the legendary actor was incredibly generous with his time, often agreeing to speak with young talents who called her to seek his guidance. Despite his famously gruff exterior, she described him as possessing immense warmth.
The Last Conversation
The weight of his passing was felt most acutely in their final exchange. Irani recalled his last words to her, where he had invited her to visit him in Pune.
"Our last conversation still echoes in my ears. 'Aa re Pune, kadhi yeshil?' Come to Pune, when will you visit? I said, 'Soon.' Guess it was not soon enough. See you on the other side, Dada," she shared.
Details of the Actor's Passing
The film fraternity was shaken by the news of Patekar's death on Thursday. According to medical reports, the actor had sent a message to a friend around 2:30 am stating he was unwell. By the time his friend reached his residence at 4 am, the situation had become critical.
Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Oncology Department at Manipal Hospital, confirmed that Patekar was rushed to the facility, where doctors fought for 45 minutes to revive him, but were ultimately unsuccessful.
A Legacy of Cinematic Excellence
Nana Patekar's journey from his acting debut in the 1978 film Gaman to becoming a titan of both Hindi and Marathi cinema was unparalleled. His filmography includes some of the most impactful performances in Indian film history:
- Parinda
- Krantiveer
- Tiranga
- Khamoshi
- Ab Tak Chhappan
- Natsamrat (Marathi)
In his later years, he continued to be a presence on screen, appearing in Housefull 5 and the upcoming Vishal Bhardwaj film O’Romeo, starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri.