Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Nana Patekar Overcame Looks Insecurity Through Theatre and Acting
Nana Patekar said he used to worry that people would not want to watch him because of his looks.
A friend once made fun of his face and suggested he get a regular job instead of acting.
Nana kept working in theatre.
He said that seeing people come to watch him helped him feel more confident.
He learned that acting mattered more than appearance.
He also described working on a film climax soon after being in hospital.
In another story, he said he mortgaged his home to help a filmmaker finish a movie.
The article says he died at 75 on a Thursday, but does not give a date.
Nana Patekar said he once felt less loved by his parents because he thought he was less good-looking than his brothers.
A friend in Marathi theatre mocked his appearance and advised him to find a full-time job.
Patekar said seeing good-looking audience members come to watch him helped him overcome his complex.
He recalled completing the climax of Krantiveer in one take after leaving hospital, despite being seriously ill.
He said he mortgaged his Andheri home for Rs 2.5 lakh to help filmmaker N Chandra finish Ankush.
- Who
- Actor Nana Patekar, describing experiences from his career.
- What
- He recalled overcoming insecurity about his appearance and shared stories of commitment to acting and helping filmmaker N Chandra.
- When
- The article says Nana Patekar died on a Thursday at age 75; it does not specify the date. The experiences he described took place earlier in his career.
- Where
- The stories include his early Marathi theatre days and a home in Andheri; the article also refers to Mumbai.
- Why
- Acting gave him a way to seek his parents' attention and, over time, helped him build confidence in his abilities.
- Age at death, as reported
- 75
- Theatre friend's criticism
- The friend mocked Patekar's looks and suggested he pursue a full-time job.
- Krantiveer climax
- Patekar said he completed a planned seven-day climax in 2.5 hours, in one take, after leaving hospital.
- Ankush assistance
- Patekar said he mortgaged his Andheri home for Rs 2.5 lakh to help complete the film.
- Ankush salary arrangement
- He said the cast was to receive Rs 10,000, with Rs 3,000 during production and Rs 7,000 after release.
- Repayment and gift
- Patekar said N Chandra repaid the money after the film succeeded and gave him a scooter.