Nana Patekar death: When the Krantiveer actor talked about walking 8 km for Rs 35 and one meal a day. ‘Humiliation and hunger taught me so much’

Bollywood veteran Nana Patekar breathed his last today, October 8, following a cardiac arrest. He was 75. Patekar was found unconscious at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa after which he was rushed to the Manipal Hospital, where he was declared dead. A prolific actor, Patekar made his film debut with Gaman and went on to deliver iconic performances. But his childhood was far from easy as revealed by the late star in several interviews.

How Smita Patil brought him into films

Back in an interview with the Times of India, Nana Patekar talked about his journey into films and how hunger taught him an important life lesson. Patekar revealed that he came from Murud Janjira, a small village near Alibaug, and developed an interest in theatre while he was still in school. He later studied at the Sir JJ Institute of Applied Art before taking up a job at an advertising agency.

Nana Patekar’s entry into cinema was not something he had actively planned. He had known Smita Patil from his time in Pune, and it was the veteran actress who encouraged him to explore films.


She eventually introduced him to filmmaker Ravi Chopra, who was casting for Aaj Ki Awaz. However, his first opportunity came with a role he considered unsuitable and unworthy of the kind of actor he wanted to become. He turned it down, even expressing his frustration before walking away from the opportunity.

How family tragedy changed his childhood

Smita Patil soon intervened and questioned him about his decision to leave. Following the confrontation, Nana Patekar was offered another part in the film. Although the role was still not particularly substantial, the opportunity helped him get noticed and marked an important step in his journey as an actor.

However, Patekar's struggles had begun much earlier. His family faced a dramatic financial downfall when he was only 13, after someone close to his father took away his property and belongings. The family went from being middle class to struggling financially, leaving the young Patekar with little choice but to start earning while he was still in Class IX.

After school, he would walk around eight kilometres to Chunabhatti, where he painted film posters to earn Rs 35 a month. The job also gave him one meal a day. Despite his young age, he took on the responsibility of contributing to his family after his father lost everything.

What hardships taught Nana Patekar

Looking back, Patekar believed those years of deprivation shaped him more profoundly than formal acting training could have. The difficult experiences of hunger, humiliation and responsibility became lessons that stayed with him and helped prepare him for the challenges of his eventual acting career.