Anees Bazmee has requested privacy following Nana Patekar’s death at 75, saying he is deeply saddened and unable to process the loss. The filmmaker recalled their memorable collaboration in Welcome, where Patekar’s iconic Uday Shetty became a beloved Hindi cinema character.
Filmmaker Anees Bazmee has requested the media to give him some time to process the death of veteran actor Nana Patekar, saying he is deeply saddened and currently not in a condition to speak about the loss.
Bazmee and Patekar shared a memorable professional association, most notably through the 2007 comedy Welcome. The film, directed by Bazmee, featured Patekar as Uday Shankar Shetty, a character who went on to become one of the most recognisable comic figures in Hindi cinema.
Following Nana Patekar’s death, Bazmee shared a message on social media addressing his media friends and requesting privacy during the difficult period.
“To all my media friends, I’m really sorry, but I’m not in a condition to talk right now. I’m deeply saddened and still unable to process what has happened. Please give me some time,” Bazmee wrote.
The filmmaker added that he did not have the words or the state of mind to speak about the veteran actor’s demise at present. Describing the loss as unbearable, Bazmee expressed hope that the media would understand his need for some time before discussing Patekar’s passing publicly.
Nana Patekar died on Thursday, October 8, at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa. He was taken to Manipal Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him, but he could not be saved.
Patekar’s association with Bazmee remains particularly memorable because of Welcome. In the film, Patekar played Uday Shetty, a feared underworld don whose intimidating personality was contrasted with his intense concern over finding a suitable husband for his sister Sanjana, played by Katrina Kaif.
Bazmee had previously recalled how he convinced Patekar to take on a comedy role. The actor was largely known at the time for intense and dramatic performances, but Bazmee believed he would be equally effective in comedy. Patekar eventually agreed after hearing the script, leading to a performance that became a major highlight of his career.
The chemistry between Patekar and Anil Kapoor, who played Majnu Bhai, was among the biggest attractions of Welcome. Their comic timing, distinctive dialogue delivery and eccentric characters helped the film develop a strong following over the years.
Patekar’s Uday Shetty became especially popular among audiences for his expressions, delivery and memorable comic situations. Several dialogues and scenes from the film continued to circulate among fans and became part of popular internet culture.
Bazmee and Patekar later reunited for Welcome Back, the 2015 sequel, with Patekar reprising the role of Uday Shetty. Their collaboration therefore extended beyond the original film and became an important part of the Welcome franchise.
Patekar’s death has prompted tributes from several members of the film industry. Akshay Kumar, who worked with the actor in Welcome and later in Housefull 5, was among those who paid an emotional tribute. Other prominent figures from Indian cinema also remembered the veteran performer and his contribution to the industry.
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With his death, Indian cinema has lost an actor known for his powerful performances, distinctive voice and versatility across serious drama and comedy. For Bazmee, however, the loss is also deeply personal, following years of professional association with an actor whose Uday Shetty performance remains closely associated with the filmmaker’s most successful comedy.
As tributes continue to pour in, Bazmee has chosen to remain away from public comments for the moment, asking the media and his friends to give him time to come to terms with Nana Patekar’s death.
Source-based report updated October 8, 2026.
