Life was never so easy as before coming into the acting profession, Nana did odd jobs like painting Zebra crossings, painting movie posters, etc., to earn a living. He gives credit to the Bollywood actress Smita Patil for his entry in Bollywood as she knew him from Pune and took him to Ravi Chopra for a role.
He started his acting career performing on Marathi stage at the age of 5. But in his initial days in Bollywood, he had to face discrimination for not being a 'handsome hunk'. He said “I know I am not beautiful and handsome but I wanted to make my performances beautiful. Always let your work talk for yourself”. His first film was ‘Gaman’ (1978) after which he did several small roles in Marathi cinema. He acted in various award-winning plays including Hamidabaichi Kothi and Purush. Nana also worked as a commercial artist and visualiser at Strusa Advertising.
In 2013, Nana was awarded the Padma Shri award for his dedication in the field of Films and Arts. Nana along with Irrfan Khan, is the only actor ever to win Filmfare Awards in the Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Best Villain categories. he won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film Agni Sakshi. He won another National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor, and the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Parinda (1989). He then won the Filmfare Best Villain Award for his role in Angaar (1992). In 1995, he won the National Film Award for Best Actor as well as the Filmfare and the Screen awards for Best Actor for his role in Krantiveer (1994). He also won his second Filmfare Best Villain Award for his role in Apaharan (2005). In 2017 he won the Filmfare Marathi award for best actor for his performance in Natsamrat. To perfect his role for Prahaar, he had undergone strict army training for 3 years, and in the early 90's, he was given the Honorary rank of Captain.
Never the less, Nana did playback singing in the films “Yeshwant” (1997), “Wajood” (1998) and “Aanch” (2003). In 2016 and made his debut as a producer with the film “Natsamrat.” Around 40 years after making his acting debut, in 2017, he did his first commercial for ‘Vikram Tea.’
Nana believes in simple living or lifestyle and is a philanthropist.Nana has also lent his service to the Indian Army, including a stint during the Kargil War. In 2015, Nana Patekar, along with actor Makarand Anaspure, started a non-governmental organization- Naam Foundation. The foundation works for the welfare of farmers in the drought-prone areas Vidarbha and Marathwada in Maharashtra. In 2015, he also distributed cheques of ₹15,000 to the families of farmers from Vidarbha region and from Latur and Osmanabad districts of Marathwada
He also carry passion for cooking. He can cook for more than 150 people at a time. He also has a signature dish to his name- ‘Nana Prawns.’ He gives credit to his mother for his cooking skills.
Nana Patekar always comes out as a versatile performer in whichever role he ever put his hand. His hard work and learnings from struggle made him a renowned actor. With due respect we pray that god bless him a healthy and a life full of positivity ahead. Wishing him a happiest birthday from his fans side.
-Ridhika Dayal Das.
