'What’s the big deal? Everyone dies': Anupam Kher imagines how Nana Patekar would have paid tribute to himself

Nana Patekar’s death has left a permanent void in Bollywood. The film veteran passed away on October 8 after suffering cardiac arrest. He was rushed to the Manipal Hospital but was declared dead by the doctors. Patekar was 75. Tributes have been pouring in from all quarters, with Bollywood celebrities remembering the Krantiveer star. But film veteran Anupam Kher’s heartfelt yet honest homage to Patekar grabbed attention instantly.

Anupam Kher on Nana Patekar

Anupam Kher recently shared a post on Instagram where he revealed learning about Nana Patekar’s death following a play in New York. He was informed about the heartbreaking news from his director Gajendra after the curtain call. Kher also called Patekar ‘one of the finest actors and human beings in Indian cinema.’

Anupam Kher added that going on with his work commitments after he heard the news was ‘terribly difficult’ for the film veteran. But even though he was uncomfortable, Kher reminded himself one thing that Patekar would have told him. ‘I felt that Nana would have wanted me to finish my work,’ he wrote.

Anupam Kher’s tribute to Nana Patekar

Elaborating on the same, Anupam Kher said that Nana Patekar, a committed actor, would have wanted Kher to fulfil his responsibility as a performer and pay respect to the audiences who have come to watch him perform. Interestingly, Kher, having known Patekar for years, also noted that the Welcome star would have dismissed all the tributes meant for him. ‘So, what happened? He died—what’s the big deal? Everyone dies!” That was Nana,’ he wrote.

Anupam Kher continued that Nana Patekar was straightforward and ‘unpretentious’ like that. The 71-year-old admitted that he will miss his dear friend, his warmth, hugs and extraordinary performances. ‘Whenever I miss seeing you, I will watch your films,’ said Kher.

In conclusion, Anupam Kher had one final regret. He wished he could hug Nana Patekar one more time. Kher also sent his deepest condolences to Patekar’s family and everyone who loved the star. Kher signed off by saying, ‘Goodbye, my friend, Nana Patekar. Sending you lots of love.’

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Nana Patekar death

Nana Patekar’s funeral will be held at his farmhouse on the outskirts of Pune. Ganesh Thorat, the CEO of Patekar's Naam Foundation, shared in a statement that the actor’s mortal remains will be brought (to Pune) by around 5 pm, as quoted by the Hindustan Times.