The sudden demise of Nana Patekar has left several members of the Indian film industry mourning the veteran actor. Anupam Kher, Rajinikanth, Paresh Rawal and Manoj Bajpayee were among those who remembered him.

Anupam Kher learns about Nana Patekar’s death backstage

Anupam Kher shared a detailed tribute on Instagram after receiving the news of Nana Patekar’s death. The actor said he learned about the loss immediately after completing a performance.ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available.According to Anupam Kher, his director Gajendra informed him about the veteran actor while he was backstage after the curtain call.“I had just finished our performance and taken the curtain call. As I walked into the wings, my director Gajendra told me, “Nana is no more.”🥹” Anupam Kher said he still had to continue with his professional commitments despite the devastating news.“After that, I had to meet people, pose for photographs, smile, sit down for a meal… while trying to absorb what I had just heard. It was terribly difficult.”He added that he believed Nana Patekar would have wanted him to complete his responsibility before reflecting on the loss. “But somewhere, I felt that Nana would have wanted me to finish my work. Fulfil my responsibility to the people who had come to see us. And then, perhaps, remember him.”See More: National Award winnig actor Nana Patekar passes away at 75

Anupam Kher recalls Nana Patekar’s straightforward nature

Anupam Kher also remembered the late actor’s distinctive approach to difficult subjects. He imagined how Nana Patekar himself might have dismissed the idea of a tribute.“Actually, knowing him, I can almost hear him dismissing the very idea of a tribute: “अरे, तो क्या हो गया? मर गया तो कौन-सी बड़ी बात है? सभी मरते हैं!””Anupam Kher described his friend as someone who never softened his views simply to please others. “That was Nana. Direct, unpretentious, with his own way of saying even the most difficult things.❤️‍🩹”He also recalled Nana Patekar’s warmth and performances. “I will miss you, my friend. Your warmth. Your hugs. Your extraordinary performances. And whenever I miss seeing you, I will watch your films. Though today, I wish I could simply hug you one more time.”“My love and deepest condolences to your family and to everyone who loved you. अलविदा मेरे दोस्त, नाना पाटेकर। बहुत सारा प्यार।,” wrote Anupam Kher.

Rajinikanth mourns Nana Patekar

Rajinikanth also expressed his shock over Nana Patekar’s death. The superstar remembered him as a dear friend and offered condolences to his family. “I can’t believe my dear friend Nanaji is no longer with us. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.”

Paresh Rawal remembers Nana Patekar’s intensity

Paresh Rawal paid tribute to Nana Patekar with a short message that focused on the actor’s personality. “BHAU. NANA SAHEB. INSANELY HONEST AND INTENSE. LOVE AND RESPECT FOR EVER. OM SHANTI.”Nana Patekar’s directness and intensity were among the qualities that became closely associated with both his screen performances and his public persona.See More: Nana Patekar passes away: PM Modi hails veteran star’s contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema

Manoj Bajpayee says Nana Patekar inspired actors

Manoj Bajpayee remembered Nana Patekar’s career as an example for actors trying to establish themselves in Mumbai. He said the veteran’s journey offered encouragement to those attempting to find their own place in the industry.“Shocking! Still cannot believe Nana Patekar ji is no more. For so many of us who came to Mumbai hoping to find a place in films, his journey gave us hope. He made you believe that your craft, your individuality and being true to who you are could be enough to make your own place. We have lost one of our finest actors. You will be deeply missed, Nana ji. Om Shanti.”Nana Patekar died at the age of 75 after being found unconscious at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. He was taken to Manipal Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.His career included acclaimed films such as ‘Krantiveer’, ‘Agni Sakshi’, ‘Ab Tak Chhappan’, ‘Raajneeti’, ‘Natsamrat’ and ‘Welcome’. His performances across Hindi and Marathi cinema earned him recognition for his distinctive style and versatility.