Finest actor

One of the finest actors of his generation, Nana Patekar, has passed away, leaving a huge void in Indian cinema. He was not only a remarkable actor but also a humble human being who remained rooted until the very end. My admiration for Nana began in childhood when I accidentally watched “Prahar” on a small black-and-white TV. His dialogue delivery and expressions left such a lasting impression on me that I became an ardent fan. Over the years, I watched his memorable performances in “Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman,” “Agni Sakshi,” “Krantiveer,” “Raajneeti,” and “Welcome,” among many others.

From intense, serious roles to comedy, Nana excelled in every genre. He also paved the way for actors who did not fit the conventional image of a Bollywood hero. I followed him closely through newspapers and television and often spotted him walking along the streets of Mumbai. Despite his fame, he always seemed grounded and approachable.

Vikas Shukla
By email