Nana Patekar, 75, dies; Basit Ali recalls 1994 friendship
Basit Ali remembers a friendship that began in 1994, Nana Patekar's weekly calls to his mother, and the actor's warmth after her death.
Nana Patekar, the actor whose intense, often unpredictable performances defined a five-decade career, died on October 8 at the age of 75. He suffered a cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital, but could not be revived.
The loss has drawn tributes from India and beyond. Among the most personal came from former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali, who shared a video recalling a friendship that began in 1994.
A friendship that began in 1994
Basit said the first conversation happened almost by accident, shaped by a nickname. “Because of Nana Patekar, we first talked back in 1994, and it all started from there,” he recalled.
What followed, he said, was not a film-star acquaintance but a steady, older-brother presence. His memories include:
- Nana called every week while Basit’s mother was in hospital, spoke with her at length and listened to old stories.
- When she passed away, Nana told him, “Hey Basit, take care of yourself now.”
- After Basit’s heart issue, Nana sent a message asking about his health and later enquired about the stent placement.
Basit said the actor was warm and playful off screen. He often called Nana “young man” because he did not look 75, and Nana would reply, “Forget it, both you and I are old now.”
“He acted in movies exactly as he was in real life,” Basit said, adding that the love Nana gave as an elder was “truly incredible.” He added that Nana had as many admirers in Pakistan as he did in India and across the world.
Tributes from Pakistan and final rites
Pakistani cricketer Umar Akmal also posted a tribute alongside a photograph of the actor. “His work is done but his impact will echo through the generations. Sir you will be missed,” he wrote.
Nana’s body was brought to Pune from Goa on Thursday evening and taken to his farmhouse in Donje, near Khadakwasla. His last rites were reportedly held with full state honours, with his wife Neelkanti and son Malhar present. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and actor Jackie Shroff were among those said to have paid their respects.
A career built on unforgettable roles
Born in 1951, Nana Patekar moved between hard-hitting dramas and popular commercial films. His credits include Krantiveer, Parinda, Tirangaa, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Ab Tak Chhappan and Welcome. He won three National Film Awards and received the Padma Shri.
For fans who only knew him through the screen, Basit’s tribute offers a glimpse of the same intensity and care behind closed doors.
Source: Hindustan Times
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