Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Mehul Kumar Recalls Raaj Kumar and Nana Patekar’s Film Partnership
Filmmaker Mehul Kumar shared stories about working with two famous actors, Raaj Kumar and Nana Patekar.
He directed Raaj Kumar in Marte Dam Tak and Jungbaaz.
They also both appeared in Tirangaa, which Kumar directed.
Kumar said Raaj Kumar liked his script after it was translated into Urdu.
At first, Nana Patekar and Raaj Kumar were unsure about working together.
Kumar said they became good friends while making the movie.
He remembered funny and personal moments with both actors.
He also said he wrote another film idea for Patekar, but doubts it will be made with someone else.
Filmmaker Mehul Kumar recalled directing Raaj Kumar in Marte Dam Tak and Jungbaaz, and both Raaj Kumar and Nana Patekar in Tirangaa.
Kumar said Raaj Kumar agreed to consider his script after it was translated into Urdu, then approved it despite previously rejecting films from the producer.
Kumar described Raaj Kumar’s trust in his directing style and recalled anecdotes from the sets, including the actor’s joking remarks about a funeral scene.
Kumar said Nana Patekar initially hesitated to make Tirangaa, while Raaj Kumar had heard concerns about Patekar’s reputation; the two became close during filming.
Kumar also recalled Raaj Kumar attending his daughter’s wedding and said he had written Mission Tirangaa with Patekar in mind, but did not expect it to be made with another actor.
- Who
- Filmmaker Mehul Kumar, discussing actors Raaj Kumar and Nana Patekar.
- What
- Kumar recalled his work and personal experiences with the two actors.
- When
- In an interview published around Raaj Kumar’s centenary, which the article says fell on October 8, the date Nana Patekar stepped into immortality.
- Where
- The interview discusses film shoots in India, including one at Nayyar Bungalow in Madh Island.
- Why
- Kumar was remembering two of his favourite actors and their connection through his films.
Initial reservations
Kumar’s response and outcome
Casting Nana Patekar in Tirangaa
Initial reservations
Nana Patekar initially declined, saying he did not do commercial films, and worried Raaj Kumar might interfere; Raaj Kumar had heard of Patekar’s reputation.
Kumar’s response and outcome
Kumar persuaded Patekar that the film could bring him wider fame. Kumar said the two actors became close friends during filming.
- Filmmaker
- Mehul Kumar
- Films with Raaj Kumar
- Marte Dam Tak and Jungbaaz
- Film featuring both actors
- Tirangaa
- Other films with Nana Patekar
- Krantiveer and Kohraam
- First shoot anecdote location
- Nayyar Bungalow, Madh Island
- Unmade project mentioned
- Mission Tirangaa, written with Nana Patekar in mind