Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Nana Patekar Says Emotional Shock Helped End Smoking
Nana Patekar said he used to smoke about 60 cigarettes every day.
He smoked so much that people avoided sitting in his car because it smelled of smoke.
One day, his sister had lost her only son, and she saw Nana coughing while smoking.
She asked him what else she would have to see happen to him.
Her words deeply affected him.
He decided not to smoke that day, then continued making the same decision each day.
Patekar said he has now gone about 20 years without smoking.
A psychiatrist explained that strong emotions can sometimes help people break an addiction, but support and plans to avoid relapse can also be important.
Nana Patekar said he once smoked about 60 cigarettes daily.
He recalled smoking even while bathing and said his car smelled strongly of smoke.
He stopped smoking after his sister questioned what else she would have to see while he was coughing after her son’s death.
Patekar said he stayed smoke-free by repeatedly telling himself, “I won’t smoke today.”
Psychiatrist Dr Abhinit Kumar said powerful emotional experiences can sometimes disrupt addiction, though lasting success may require support and relapse-prevention strategies.
- Who
- Veteran actor Nana Patekar, his sister, and psychiatrist Dr Abhinit Kumar.
- What
- Patekar described quitting a roughly 60-cigarette-a-day habit after a painful family moment and maintaining the change for about 20 years.
- When
- Patekar said he has been smoke-free for 20 years; the interview did not provide a specific date.
- Where
- He discussed the experience in a conversation with The Lallantop.
- Why
- His sister’s remark after her son’s death made him confront his smoking and coughing, prompting him to stop.
- Past smoking level
- About 60 cigarettes per day, according to Patekar.
- Smoking routine
- He said he smoked during everyday activities, including while bathing.
- Turning point
- His sister questioned what else she would have to see after observing him smoking and coughing.
- Initial abstinence
- Patekar said he first went one day without smoking, then five days.
- Reported duration
- He said he has not smoked for about 20 years.
- Quitting approach
- He repeatedly tells himself, “I won’t smoke today.”
- Expert view
- Dr Abhinit Kumar said intense emotional experiences can change motivation, risk perception, and habit patterns.