Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Nana Patekar Remembered for Realism and Intense Acting
Nana Patekar was an actor who performed in theatre and films.
He worked in Marathi and Hindi productions.
Director Jabbar Patel remembered that Patekar once asked to be hit for real in a film scene so the acting would feel realistic.
Patel said the beating left marks on Patekar’s body.
Patekar also studied his roles carefully, including one in a film about Yashwantrao Chavan.
People from film and theatre admired his acting and said he inspired younger performers.
He visited the National School of Drama in 2016 and spoke with students.
He died on October 8, aged 75.
Director Jabbar Patel recalled that Patekar asked to be hit for real during a scene in Simhasan, leaving marks on his body.
Patekar died on October 8 at age 75 after a career in Marathi theatre and Marathi and Hindi films.
Patel said Patekar deeply studied his role in the 2014 biopic Yashwantrao Chavan: Bakhar Eka Vaadalaachi.
Colleagues praised Patekar’s intelligence, distinctive acting, realism and influence on younger performers.
His notable performances included Ankur, Pratighaat, Parinda and Natasamrat, where he played Ganpat Belwalkar.
- Who
- Actor Nana Patekar, with recollections from director Jabbar Patel and theatre and film colleagues.
- What
- Patekar’s acting approach, career and influence are being remembered after his death.
- When
- Patekar died on October 8 at age 75; his National School of Drama visit was in 2016.
- Where
- His work spanned Marathi theatre and Marathi and Hindi films; he visited the National School of Drama in Delhi.
- Why
- Colleagues are reflecting on his realistic acting, dedication to his roles and influence on performers.
Realism and performance
Acting without real harm
Whether a scene required a real beating
Realism and performance
Patekar asked to be beaten for real, saying acting should have realism; Patel recalled that he was beaten and had marks on his body.
Acting without real harm
Patel argued with Patekar that such intensity was unnecessary because it was acting.
- Age at death
- 75
- Date of death
- October 8
- Film recalled by Jabbar Patel
- Simhasan (1979)
- Biopic collaboration
- Yashwantrao Chavan: Bakhar Eka Vaadalaachi (2014)
- National School of Drama visit
- 2016, for the Bharat Rang Mahotsav
- Notable role
- Ganpat Belwalkar in Natasamrat
