Sanjay Leela Bhansali Mourns The Demise Of Nana Patekar: ‘I Am Indebted To Him’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Indian cinema is deeply anguished with the demise of Nana Patekar. The actor who began his career in the late 1970s is known for his blockbuster films in the 1990s like “Prahaar: The Final Attack” (1991), “Agnisakshi” (1994),” and “Khamoshi: The Musical” (1999). Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s debut movie, “Khamoshi” had Patekar in the role of Joseph, a speech and hearing impaired father. Bhansali shares with Variety India, “I was just starting out and got to work with him. It was not easy. He is a very hard taskmaster. But then so am I. His arguments and anger all come from a place of caring and empathy. He only argued with directors whom he knew had it in them to excel.” 

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The filmmaker recalls how his sister, Bela Segal, set up a meeting for him. He reveals, “I  wanted him for ‘Khamoshi: The Musical,’ my first directorial. But I had no access to him. So, I asked my sister Bela, who was working at that point of time with him in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s ‘Parinda,’ to introduce us. When I nervously called Patekar, he snapped, ‘Why do you have to  come through someone else? Where is your own identity? Alright, you bring the script to my house.’ When I reached his home at the appointed time he opened the door just enough to snatch the script.” 

After a week, Patekar was on board for Bhansali’s debut film. The filmmaker believes his presence hyped up his debut. The actor was on a winning streak notching up memorable performances in Hindi films. Bhansali adds, “His presence  gave my debut a certain clout. At that time, he was supreme. Shooting with him was a challenge. His level of dedication is unmatched. I remember for one dinner sequence, the chicken had gone stale. He snapped, ‘Let’s  not waste time waiting for  the chicken to be replaced.’ He chewed on the stale chicken, spat it out and chewed it again.” 

Bhansali coincidentally was browsing through social media when he saw a reel of the late actor. He laments, “Hours later an assistant called to say he is gone. Life is so unpredictable.” The cremation of the actor will happen with full state honors in Pune at his Donje farmhouse.