Set off Warning: This text comprises point out of loss of life.
Rising from humble beginnings, this actor’s journey is nothing in need of extraordinary. From portray zebra crossings on the age of 11 to leaving his thriving movie profession to serve within the Kargil Warfare, his life has been a testomony to resilience and dedication. Combating private loss, he as soon as smoked 60 cigarettes a day after his son’s passing. Over time, he shared the display with legends like Rishi Kapoor in Hum Dono and collaborated with Shah Rukh Khan in Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman and Shakti: The Energy. As we speak, he stands as a revered icon in Indian cinema. Are you able to guess who he’s?
If you have not guessed it but, he’s none aside from Nana Patekar. His journey is one in every of resilience, expertise, and an unwavering connection to his roots. Born right into a farming household in Murud-Janjira, now a part of Raigad, Maharashtra, his path to fame was something however straightforward.
Lengthy earlier than he grew to become a celebrated actor, Nana painted zebra crossings on roads to make a dwelling and even labored in a stone quarry on the age of 11. Throughout an episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 16, he mentioned, “We used to color zebra crossings and earned Rs 15 for it. The satisfaction got here from not having to beg for cash. I took up no matter work got here my method. My pocket cash was 25 paise, and I managed to get by the whole day with that quantity.” Regardless of these hardships, he by no means let circumstances outline him.
The Vanvaas actor’s Bollywood journey started in 1978 with Gaman, the place he performed a destructive position. Nonetheless, it was the sleeper hit Ankush (1986) that put him on the map, showcasing his distinctive depth and appearing prowess.
Over time, he constructed a formidable filmography with critically acclaimed and commercially profitable movies like Parinda, Krantiveer, Tirangaa, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi, and Bhoot. His gripping performances earned him a Nationwide Award for Finest Supporting Actor in Agni Sakshi, additional solidifying his place within the trade.
Regardless of his success, the actor has remained deeply linked to his easy way of life. Even immediately, when not filming, he spends time farming on his land, cultivating fruits and grains. His profession has additionally introduced him monetary success, with an estimated web price of Rs 80 crore as of 2024, primarily from movies and endorsements.
Past the highlight, Nana Patekar has confronted deeply private battles. In an interview with The Lallantop, he as soon as shared that his eldest son, Durvasa, was born with well being problems affecting his imaginative and prescient. Initially, he struggled with societal perceptions of his baby’s situation however later acknowledged the significance of empathy over exterior judgment. Tragically, he misplaced his son after simply two and a half years, an occasion that despatched him into shock.
Throughout this difficult interval, he had developed an dependancy to smoking, consuming as much as 60 cigarettes a day. It was his sister’s heartbreaking phrases after she noticed him coughing that made him stop smoking immediately. He realized the affect of his decisions and gave up the behavior the exact same day.
Apparently, Nana is without doubt one of the few Bollywood stars who put aside his occupation to serve the nation. His dedication to the Indian Military started within the early Nineties whereas making ready for his movie Prahaar: The Closing Assault. He skilled with the Maratha Mild Infantry for 3 years, gaining firsthand army expertise.
When the Kargil Warfare broke out in 1999, he was decided to contribute. On Kaun Banega Crorepati 16, he shared that although initially denied permission, he reached out to Defence Minister George Fernandes, who granted him approval after studying about his prior coaching.
Nana then spent over two weeks on the frontlines, aiding troopers and dealing at a base hospital. The acute circumstances took a toll on his physique and he misplaced 20 kg throughout his time in Kargil.
Regardless of these hardships, he resumed his movie profession afterward, persevering with to ship highly effective performances. He was final seen in Anil Sharma’s Vanvaas.
From an actor with humble beginnings to a nationwide hero, Nana Patekar’s journey is a testomony to grit, expertise, and an unbreakable spirit.
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