Veteran actor Anupam Kher shared an emotional video tribute to his close friend Nana Patekar, recalling the moment he learned about the actor’s death after a stage performance
Anupam Kher shared an emotional video tribute to Nana Patekar after learning of his death backstage following a theatre performance in Washington, D.C., recalling their friendship and shared memories.
Mumbai: Veteran actor Anupam Kher shared an emotional video message on Instagram following the death of his close friend and fellow actor Nana Patekar, recalling the difficult moment when he received the news shortly after completing a theatre performance.
Kher said he received the heartbreaking news after completing his performance and taking the curtain call. As he walked backstage, his director Gajendra informed him that Nana Patekar was no more.
Video Link: Anupam Kher Breaks Down In Emotional Tribute To Nana Patekar
The actor said he then had to continue with his professional commitments, including meeting people, posing for photographs, smiling and sitting down for a meal, while trying to process the news.
Anupam Kher Recalls Moment He Heard About Nana Patekar
In his emotional video message, Kher explained that he found it extremely difficult to absorb the news immediately after his performance.
He said that somewhere he felt Nana Patekar would have wanted him to complete his work and fulfil his responsibility towards the people who had come to watch the performance.
Kher recalled Patekar as someone who would not have wanted an elaborate or overly sentimental tribute.
Remembering his friend's characteristic directness and humour, Kher imagined Patekar responding to the idea of a tribute by saying:
“अरे, तो क्या हो गया? मर गया तो कौन-सी बड़ी बात है? सभी मरते हैं!”
Kher said that response captured the personality of Nana Patekar — direct, unpretentious and capable of addressing even difficult subjects in his own distinctive manner.
‘I Will Miss You, My Friend’ Says Anupam Kher
Kher said he would miss Patekar’s warmth, hugs and extraordinary performances. He added that whenever he missed seeing his friend, he would watch his films.
Kher also expressed a personal wish to hug Patekar one more time, while extending his love and deepest condolences to Patekar’s family and everyone who knew and loved him.
“अलविदा मेरे दोस्त, नाना पाटेकर। बहुत सारा प्यार,” Kher said in his emotional tribute.
Anupam Kher And Nana Patekar Shared Long Association
Anupam Kher and Nana Patekar shared a professional association spanning several films. The two actors appeared together in films including Parinda, Mohre and Raajneeti, among other projects.
Their collaborations brought together two of Hindi cinema’s recognised performers, with both actors known for their strong screen presence and distinctive acting styles.
Kher’s tribute highlighted not only their professional association but also the personal friendship he shared with Patekar.
Kher Says Nana Patekar Was More Than An Actor
In his video message, Kher remembered Patekar not simply as a celebrated performer but as a close friend and an exceptional human being. Kher described the loss as particularly difficult because Patekar was among those people whom he never imagined would be gone.
His emotional reaction came as tributes continued to pour in following Patekar’s death at the age of 75.
The veteran actor’s death has prompted messages from colleagues, political leaders, public figures and fans across India, reflecting the impact of his decades-long career in Hindi and Marathi cinema.
