Pankaj Tripathi mourns Nana Patekar’s death, calling him a Guru who guided him in acting and life choices. Remembering their work in Kaala, Tripathi says Patekar’s extraordinary performances and lasting influence will continue to inspire generations of Indian actors.
Actor Pankaj Tripathi has expressed deep grief over the demise of veteran actor Nana Patekar, remembering him not only as a remarkable co-actor but also as a mentor whose guidance extended beyond cinema and into important life choices.
Nana Patekar, one of the most distinctive performers in Indian cinema, passed away in Goa on Thursday at the age of 75. He was found unconscious at his residence in Dona Paula and was taken to Manipal Hospital, where doctors could not revive him.
In an exclusive quote shared with IANS, Pankaj Tripathi described Nana Patekar’s death as an extremely painful loss for the entire film fraternity as well as a deeply personal loss for him. The two actors had shared screen space in the 2018 Tamil action-drama Kaala, an experience Tripathi said would always remain special.
“Nana ji’s passing is an incredibly painful loss for our entire fraternity; it’s a deeply personal loss for me,” Tripathi said, recalling his association with the veteran actor.
According to Tripathi, Patekar’s influence on him went far beyond their professional relationship. He remembered the veteran actor as someone who guided him on acting, life choices and even the smallest details involved in the craft.
“He was not just a co-actor but someone who would guide me on the craft, life choices, and the smallest nuances of acting,” Tripathi said.
The Mirzapur actor added that he learned a great deal simply by observing Patekar and listening to his advice. He described the veteran performer’s guidance as deeply valuable and said his passing felt like losing a Guru.
“I learned a lot just by watching him and listening to him. His guidance meant a great deal to me. For me, this feels like losing a Guru,” Tripathi said.
Tripathi also highlighted Patekar’s distinctive ability to completely immerse himself in the characters he portrayed while leaving a lasting impression on audiences. He said the veteran actor’s contribution to Indian cinema extended beyond his individual films and influenced the way generations of actors approached their craft.
“What made Nana ji truly extraordinary was his ability to disappear into a character while still leaving an indelible mark of his own,” Tripathi said, adding that Patekar had influenced how actors viewed acting and their artistic responsibilities.
Calling the veteran actor’s demise the “end of an era,” Tripathi said Indian cinema had lost one of its most distinctive voices and finest performers. However, he emphasised that Patekar’s artistic legacy would continue through his films, characters and the actors he inspired.
“But artists like Nana ji never really leave us. They live on through their work, through the characters they created and through the generations of actors they continue to inspire,” Tripathi said.
Pankaj Tripathi and Nana Patekar appeared together in Kaala, directed and co-written by Pa. Ranjith and produced by Dhanush. Released in 2018, the film featured Rajinikanth in the lead role, alongside Nana Patekar, Huma Qureshi, Eswari Rao, Samuthirakani and other prominent actors.
Nana Patekar’s career spanned several decades across Hindi and Marathi cinema. Known for his powerful dialogue delivery, intense screen presence and ability to portray complex characters, he established himself as one of Indian cinema’s most respected performers. His death has prompted tributes from colleagues and personalities across the film industry.
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For Tripathi, however, Patekar’s legacy is also deeply personal. Beyond the films and performances, he remembers a senior artist who shared his experience, offered guidance and influenced the way he approached both acting and life.
As the film industry mourns Nana Patekar’s passing, Tripathi’s tribute underlines the veteran actor’s lasting impact not only as a performer but also as a mentor whose lessons are expected to remain with those he inspired.
