The Hindi film industry is mourning veteran actor Nana Patekar, who passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the age of 75 in Dona Paula, Goa, following a severe cardiac arrest. As tributes pour in for the celebrated actor, an old revelation by his longtime friend and co-star Paresh Rawal has once again highlighted Patekar’s distinctive personality and confidence.
Rawal had previously spoken about Patekar’s straightforward nature and unconventional approach to the film industry, including his decision to demand a fee that was considered extraordinary for a character actor at the time.
When Nana Patekar Asked for ₹1 Crore
In a 2025 interview, Paresh Rawal recalled how confidently Nana Patekar approached his remuneration. According to Rawal, Patekar became the first character actor in Hindi cinema to demand a fee of ₹1 crore for a role.
Rawal said Patekar made the demand at a time when even leading actors were hesitant to ask for such a substantial amount. The request reportedly created considerable discussion among producers, but Patekar’s reputation, screen presence and credibility eventually worked in his favour.
Producers ultimately agreed to his terms, reflecting the value that Patekar had established through his performances. The episode also demonstrated the actor’s confidence and his willingness to go against established industry practices, particularly during the 1980s.
Paresh Rawal Recalls Nana Patekar’s Unusual Personality
Rawal also shared an amusing incident that, according to him, captured Patekar’s unconventional approach to people and situations.
Recalling an unnamed producer who had been invited to Patekar’s home for a meal, Rawal said the actor first asked whether the guest ate mutton. After the producer finished his meal, Patekar reportedly told him to clean the dishes.
While recounting the story, Rawal described Patekar as someone who was completely different from others in the industry. He summed up his friend’s personality by saying, “Baap hai voh. He’s completely different, man. That soil is different.”
The anecdote reflected the actor’s unfiltered nature and the way he often challenged conventional expectations, even when dealing with people from the film industry.
Nana Patekar’s Four-Decade Film Career
Nana Patekar made his acting debut with Gaman in 1978 and went on to build a career spanning more than four decades. He became known for his intense and memorable performances in films including Parinda, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Ab Tak Chhappan, Welcome and Welcome Back.
His performance in Parinda earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor, while Krantiveer brought him the National Film Award for Best Actor.
Patekar and Paresh Rawal also shared the screen in several films, including Krantiveer (1994), Ghulam-e-Mustafa (1997), Aanch (2003), Welcome (2007) and Welcome Back (2015).
As the industry and audiences remember Nana Patekar, Rawal’s stories offer another glimpse into the personality behind some of Hindi cinema’s most powerful performances. His career was marked not only by acclaimed acting but also by an uncompromising approach that remained a defining part of his public image.