Producer Siddharth Roy Kapur has paid tribute to veteran actor Nana Patekar, highlighting his extraordinary versatility and the range of performances he has delivered across genres. Speaking during a panel discussion, Siddharth reflected on Nana's ability to move seamlessly between intense, serious cinema and mainstream comedy, describing him as an artist whose contribution to Indian cinema will be deeply missed. He also shared his thoughts on changing audience habits and why the theatrical experience continues to hold a special place despite the growing popularity of short-form digital content.
Talking about Nana Patekar's legacy, Siddharth pointed to two films that showcase the actor's remarkable range: Parinda and Welcome. While the former features Nana in a gritty crime drama, the latter sees him in a widely loved comic role. Highlighting the contrast, Siddharth said, “There are very few artists who possessed the range that Nana-ji did. When you look at his performance in Parinda and compare it to his performance in Welcome—an actor capable of spanning that entire spectrum of cinema—you realize how rare such versatility is. So, I believe the film industry will miss him, and we will all miss him—both as a star and as a performer.”
His remarks underscored how Nana's body of work has allowed him to leave a mark across very different cinematic worlds. From powerful dramatic performances to memorable comic characters, the actor has demonstrated an ability to adapt to contrasting roles while retaining his distinctive screen presence. For Siddharth, this versatility is precisely what makes Nana such a rare talent and an important figure in the film industry.
The discussion also turned to the changing landscape of content consumption, particularly the perception that younger audiences have shorter attention spans because of social media and short-form videos. Addressing the idea that today's viewers struggle to sit through lengthy films, Siddharth cited the success of a four-hour movie released this year as evidence that audiences continue to embrace cinema when it offers an engaging theatrical experience.
“You know, people often say that the current generation is easily distracted—that they only watch Reels and lack the attention span to sit through a long movie. Yet, this year, a four-hour film was released, and it went on to become the biggest hit in the history of Indian cinema. I believe the big-screen experience is something that simply cannot be replicated. The enjoyment people derive from it—the fact that they set aside time, make a sort of appointment with themselves, and go out to immerse themselves in that experience—that is something that will never fade away,” Siddharth said.
His comments highlighted the importance of the collective experience of watching a film in a cinema hall. Beyond the film itself, the outing allows audiences to dedicate time to a story, share reactions with others and experience its scale on the big screen. Siddharth believes that this combination of immersion and shared enjoyment cannot be fully recreated through viewing content at home, even as streaming services and short-form videos continue to shape entertainment habits.
Siddharth Roy Kapur is one of India's prominent film producers and media executives. He is the founder and managing director of Roy Kapur Films and is also known for his tenure as managing director of The Walt Disney Company India. He served as president of the Producers Guild of India for six consecutive terms from 2016 to 2022 and is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Through his remarks, Siddharth reflected on both the lasting legacy of performers such as Nana Patekar and the enduring appeal of cinema as a shared big-screen experience.