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Nana Patekar dies at 75: Lesser-known facts about the veteran actor

Updated On: 08 October, 2026 01:44 PM IST | Rachel Pereira

From earning Rs 35 a month painting film posters to serving during the Kargil War, these lesser-known facts reveal the life and struggles behind Nana Patekar's iconic career

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Nana Patekar. Pics via AFP
Nana Patekar. Pics via AFP
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The actor’s birth name is Vishwanath Patekar. He was given the nickname Nana by a close friend of his mother during his childhood, and the name eventually became his identity
The actor’s birth name is Vishwanath Patekar. He was given the nickname Nana by a close friend of his mother during his childhood, and the name eventually became his identity
03
Nana Patekar began working at just 13 after his family faced financial difficulties. He earned Rs 35 a month painting film posters and was given one meal a day
Nana Patekar began working at just 13 after his family faced financial difficulties. He earned Rs 35 a month painting film posters and was given one meal a day
04
As a schoolboy, Nana would walk around 8 km to Chunabhatti after classes for work. The difficult routine became part of his early struggle to support his family
As a schoolboy, Nana would walk around 8 km to Chunabhatti after classes for work. The difficult routine became part of his early struggle to support his family
05
While preparing for his film Prahaar, Nana trained for three years with the Maratha Light Infantry. In 1999, Nana received permission to serve with troops during the Kargil War
While preparing for his film Prahaar, Nana trained for three years with the Maratha Light Infantry. In 1999, Nana received permission to serve with troops during the Kargil War
06
Away from the camera, cooking has been one of Nana’s passions. He has spoken about preparing food for entire film units, including one crew of around 110 people
Away from the camera, cooking has been one of Nana’s passions. He has spoken about preparing food for entire film units, including one crew of around 110 people
07
Nana Patekar lost his eldest son, Durvasa, when the child was two and a half years old. Durvasa was born with multiple health complications, including a cleft palate and vision impairment in one eye
Nana Patekar lost his eldest son, Durvasa, when the child was two and a half years old. Durvasa was born with multiple health complications, including a cleft palate and vision impairment in one eye
08
Nana owns a farmhouse near Pune where he has grown crops including rice, wheat, onions, garlic and peanuts. Farming has remained an important part of his life away from films
Nana owns a farmhouse near Pune where he has grown crops including rice, wheat, onions, garlic and peanuts. Farming has remained an important part of his life away from films
09
When his son Malhar wanted to enter films, Nana chose not to simply use his own influence to launch him. Malhar instead worked behind the camera, including as an assistant director
When his son Malhar wanted to enter films, Nana chose not to simply use his own influence to launch him. Malhar instead worked behind the camera, including as an assistant director
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Nana has donated prize money from awards towards drought relief and farmer welfare. His philanthropy has also included contributing earnings from films to charitable causes
Nana has donated prize money from awards towards drought relief and farmer welfare. His philanthropy has also included contributing earnings from films to charitable causes
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During a chaotic theatre incident, Nana helped actor Ashok Saraf escape an angry crowd and even drove an autorickshaw to get him to safety, according to Saraf’s recent recollection
During a chaotic theatre incident, Nana helped actor Ashok Saraf escape an angry crowd and even drove an autorickshaw to get him to safety, according to Saraf’s recent recollection

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