Actor Aneet Padda has penned an emotional tribute to veteran actor Nana Patekar, remembering the invaluable lessons she learnt from him while working together on Shakti Shalini. Reflecting on her association with the late performer, Aneet spoke about his honesty, simplicity and deep commitment to cinema, admitting that the opportunity to observe him closely was an experience she would cherish throughout her life. The actor also expressed how surreal it felt to have shared a film with Nana Patekar, whose passing has left the film industry mourning the loss of a celebrated performer.
Taking a trip down memory lane, Aneet recalled her first meeting with Nana Patekar, revealing that she could barely speak as she took in the experience of sitting across from someone she found so honest and unapologetically himself. Remembering that moment, she wrote, “The first time I met Nana Patekar sir, I barely spoke. I think I was just taking it all in. To sit across from someone so honest, so unfiltered, so unapologetically himself was an experience in itself.” Her words reflect the admiration she developed for the veteran actor, whose personality and approach to his craft made a lasting impression on her.
Aneet also highlighted Nana Patekar’s distinctive way of approaching life and cinema, recalling how he chose simplicity over the noise of fame and remained true to his principles. For her, simply listening to him speak and watching him work offered lessons that went beyond acting. “He was someone who lived life on his own terms, chose simplicity over the noise of fame, and reminded you what it truly meant to be an actor. Listening to him speak, watching him work, and simply being around him was a lesson I will always carry with me,” she added.
Expressing gratitude for having crossed paths with Nana Patekar early in her career and subsequently getting the chance to work with him, Aneet said those moments had become even more precious in hindsight. “To have met him so early in my journey, and then to work with him, is something I'll always be grateful for. I learnt so much just by observing him, and looking back, I realise how precious those moments were. That one of his last films was with me still leaves me without words. It feels surreal,” she wrote. Concluding her note with an emotional farewell, the actor added, “I'm grateful our paths crossed, even if only for a short while, and I'll carry it for the rest of my life.” She signed off with the words, “Rest in peace, Sir.”
Meanwhile, Shakti Shalini director Aditya Sarpotdar also paid tribute to Nana Patekar, recalling the privilege of working with an actor whose passion for cinema remained undiminished despite his years of experience. In his note, the filmmaker remembered not just Nana’s extraordinary talent but also the childlike enthusiasm he brought to every film set. “Some losses are difficult to put into words. This is one of them. I feel incredibly fortunate and blessed to have had the opportunity to work with a true legend of an actor. But what I will remember most about him was the childlike enthusiasm he brought to every film set,” a part of his post read.
Aditya further recalled visiting Nana Patekar at his farmhouse with his writer to narrate the film, describing the conversations they shared during that meeting and throughout the shoot as unforgettable. He noted that Nana never limited his involvement to his own character, but remained invested in the script, the film’s world and the performances of his co-stars. The director wrote that the actor was constantly thinking about how he could contribute to making every film better, adding that Nana “lived for cinema”. His tribute also reflected on the person behind the celebrated performer, offering a glimpse into the curiosity and dedication that continued to define Nana’s relationship with filmmaking.
Nana Patekar passed away on Thursday, leaving behind a lasting legacy and a deep sense of loss among colleagues, collaborators and admirers. He was cremated with full state honours at his Donje farmhouse in Pune on Thursday night. As Aneet Padda and Aditya Sarpotdar remember their time with him, their tributes offer a glimpse into the personal impact of an actor whose influence extended beyond his performances. For Aneet, the memories of working alongside him will remain a treasured part of her early journey, while Aditya’s words capture the enduring passion for cinema that defined the veteran performer.