Nana Patekar cooking for Smriti Irani, 'Kahan hai re?', no formalities and a regret: Actress-BJP leader recalls emotional memories of 'Dada'

The sudden death of Bollywood veteran actor Nana Patekar has left the film industry in shock. Tributes have been pouring in from across the country. Politician and actor Smriti Irani shared an emotional tribute to the late actor, remembering him as “Dada” and recalling their close bond, his spontaneous phone calls and one of her most cherished memories of him, cooking for her.

Nana Patekar died at the age of 75 on October 8 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa.

Smriti Irani remembers Nana Patekar as ‘Dada’

Sharing a video of Nana Patekar on Instagram, Smriti said that while the world knew him by his screen name, she always called him “Dada”. She remembered his phone calls as unexpected but special, saying there were never any formalities between them.




According to Smriti, Nana would simply call and ask, “Kahan hai re?” She said those conversations were among the moments she valued the most.

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A post shared by Smriti Irani (@smritiiraniofficial)

The former Union minister also revealed that, "His calls were as random as they were precious. No formalities, no pleasantries. Just that familiar voice - Kahan hai re? We barely ever photographed our moments together. Perhaps because one could never imagine there would come a day when photographs would be all I am left with."

Nana would speak to young actors who admired him

Smriti also shared in her emotional tribute that how she would sometimes call Nana without warning and put young talents who admired him on the phone with the veteran actor.

Despite his famously rough and direct personality, Nana would make time for them, she said. Smriti remembered him as someone who "would oblige, with all the warmth that lay beneath that unmistakably gruff exterior."

One of the memories she holds closest, however, has nothing to do with films or public appearances. Smriti recalled Nana cooking for her.

She said it was not connected to any special occasion. It was simply a personal moment between two people who shared a close bond, which made the memory even more special for her.

‘Come to Pune, when will you visit?’

Smriti also spoke about her final conversation with Nana, which she said continues to echo in her mind.

The actor had asked her when she would come to Pune. Smriti told him that she would visit soon. Looking back after his death, she said she wished that “soon” had come earlier.

Nana Patekar dies at 75

Nana Patekar’s death came after he reportedly complained of discomfort and restlessness during the early hours of October 8.

According to doctors at Manipal Hospital, as reported by ANI, Nana had messaged a friend around 2.30 am about not feeling well. However, the friend reportedly did not see the message immediately as it was late at night.



By the time the friend reached Nana’s residence, the actor was reportedly unresponsive. Medical personnel were called and CPR was started at the house before he was shifted to Manipal Hospital.

Doctors continued resuscitation efforts for around 45 minutes, but Nana could not be revived. He was declared dead at around 5.20 am.

Nana Patekar’s death has led to numerous tributes from across the film industry. Known for films such as Parinda, Krantiveer, Prahar, Khamoshi, Ab Tak Chhappan and Welcome, he leaves behind a career spanning Hindi and Marathi cinema.