Shah Rukh Khan mourns the death of Nana Patekar
Bharatmorning.com – Shah Rukh Khan mourns the death of Nana Patekar with an emotional tribute to his friend and former co-star. Remembering the veteran actor, Shah Rukh looked back on their early meeting, Nana’s forthright advice and the affection that defined their friendship.
Sharing a still from their 1992 film Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Shah Rukh recalled feeling nervous when he first met Nana. He said Nana quickly noticed him adjusting his hair and responded in his unmistakably direct style.
“When I first met him, out of awe and awkwardness I fiddled with my hair. He slapped my hand away and said ‘hero ki tarah Baal mat bana…tu actor hai’! (Stop fixing your hair like a hero, you’re an actor).”
Advice that stayed with Shah Rukh Khan
For Shah Rukh, the moment became a lasting lesson about putting performance before image. Nana’s message was simple: do not lose the actor while trying to become a hero. Shah Rukh Khan mourns the death of a colleague whose honesty, he said, always came from a sincere place.
“He didn’t flatter you. He didn’t tell you what you wanted to hear. He told you what you needed to hear. That was Nana. Straightforward. Rough, honest and had the most beautiful smile.”
Shah Rukh described Nana as someone who could be sharp in his observations while still showing deep warmth. Their bond included conversations, arguments, laughter, tea and a shared love of carrom.
“He always had a strange way of showing affection. He would shout at you first, and then somewhere between the third or fourth insult, you realised you were being hugged. He loved me and I loved him back.”
Remembering their films and friendship
The actors worked together in Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman in 1992 and reunited for Shakti: The Power in 2002. Although they shared limited screen time over the years, Shah Rukh’s tribute showed that their friendship continued beyond their work in cinema.
He remembered Nana’s competitive carrom games and said he wished they had been able to share another conversation, disagreement, cup of tea and match together.
“Nana your intensity, laughter, madness and love will always stay with us. I just wish we had time to have more conversations, another argument, another cup of tea and a game of carrom.”
Shah Rukh Khan mourns the death of Nana Patekar as a personal loss as well as a loss for Indian cinema. He said Nana’s absence would be felt by audiences in India and around the world.
“You have left a void not only in the world of cinema but in the hearts of all Indians and the world. All I can say is, I will miss you dearly and carry your words in my heart till the end of time….’hero banne ke chakar mein actor mat khona’. (Don’t lose the actor to become a hero)”
In his farewell, Shah Rukh called Nana a masterful actor and an unbeatable carrom champion, saying he would miss his friend dearly.
“May your soul rest in peace Nana and Allah bless you. The Heavens will be blessed to have you… a masterful actor and an unbeatable carrom champion. Love you and miss you dearly!! Too soon my Hero Actor! RIP.”
Nana Patekar’s funeral is scheduled to take place at his farm in Pune on Thursday, with his body expected to reach the property at 5 PM for fans to pay their respects during darshan.
FAQ: Shah Rukh Khan’s tribute to Nana Patekar
Which films did Shah Rukh Khan and Nana Patekar work on together?
They appeared together in Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman in 1992 and Shakti: The Power in 2002.
What advice did Nana Patekar give Shah Rukh Khan?
Nana told Shah Rukh not to lose the actor in his effort to become a hero, advice Shah Rukh said remained with him throughout his career.
Where is Nana Patekar’s funeral expected to take place?
The funeral is scheduled at his farm in Pune, where fans were expected to be allowed darshan after his body arrived.