Nana Patekar farmed, helped farmers and refused to use fame to launch son Malhar: Inside actor's life beyond Bollywood who passed away at 75

Nana Patekar’s life had many chapters that had little to do with Bollywood. The actor, who became one of Hindi and Marathi cinema’s most recognised names, had once painted movie posters and zebra crossings to make a living.

Later, after finding success in films, he continued to farm, cook his own food, help families of farmers who had died by suicide and, notably, refused to use his influence to launch his son Malhar in the industry.

Patekar had often remained closely connected to the life he knew before fame. His father’s business had shut down when he was young, and he took up a part-time job to support his family. He painted movie posters and zebra crossings and earned Rs 35 a day along with one meal.


Also Read: Nana Patekar earned Rs 35 a month at 13, walked 8 km daily and got one meal when his father lost everything

But the difficult years were not the only thing that stayed with him. His approach to money, work and family also remained rooted in those early experiences.

Nana Patekar, the farmer

Away from film sets, Patekar had maintained his own farm, where he grew crops such as wheat and rice.

He also used farming as a way to help people who were struggling. He reportedly sold the produce from his farm and donated the money to needy farmers.

His support extended to families who had lost members to farmer suicides. He had gifted sewing machines to widows of farmers who had died by suicide, giving them a way to earn a living.

In Latur, Patekar helped around 62 families by giving Rs 15,000 to each.

Also Read: Nana Patekar passes away: Bollywood actor's full list of awards and honours

For an actor who had eventually earned fame and wealth, his decision to put his resources into helping struggling families offered a glimpse of the personal connection he had with financial hardship.

When Nana Patekar refused to launch his own son

Patekar’s belief in earning one’s place also extended to his family.

His son Malhar went into acting, but Patekar reportedly refused to use his own standing in Bollywood to help establish him.

He wanted Malhar to struggle and find his own way in the industry.

Patekar believed his son should work hard, build his own identity and become self-made. He did not want his surname to become an easy entry into Bollywood.

For an established actor with decades of experience and industry connections, it was a choice that stood out.

Nana Patekar loved cooking

There was also a quieter side to Patekar that audiences did not always see.

He enjoyed cooking and was known to prepare different cuisines himself. He also liked treating his friends to food he had cooked.

Cooking was among the everyday things he continued to enjoy despite his celebrity status.

It was another part of the actor’s life that contrasted with the intense characters and public image that had defined much of his career.

From painting zebra crossings to a Padma Shri

Patekar’s journey eventually took him from painting movie posters and zebra crossings to some of Indian cinema’s most acclaimed roles.

Parinda, Krantiveer, Apaharan and Natsamrat brought him awards and critical acclaim. His contribution to cinema was also recognised with the Padma Shri.

Yet the details of his life away from films showed a man who had not completely left his early years behind.

He had known what it meant to work simply to put food on the table. Later, he used his resources to help farmers and their families, kept farming, cooked for people close to him and insisted that his own son should build his career without his father’s influence.