Before Prahaar: How Nana Patekar underwent 3 years of commando training
When actor Nana Patekar decided to make his directorial debut with the 1991 action drama Prahaar: The Final Attack, he sought an authenticity that went far beyond typical cinematic portrayals. Unwilling to rely on simple body doubles or superficial stunt choreography, Patekar immersed himself directly into the rigorous environment of the Indian Armed Forces. To prepare for his role as Major Pratap Chauhan, he attached himself to the prestigious Maratha Light Infantry, undergoing intensive commando training for nearly three years.
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Commando Training with the Maratha Light Infantry
Patekar’s training regimen was physically demanding and identical to that undergone by standard military personnel. He lived alongside soldiers, participating in gruelling endurance exercises, tactical obstacle courses, weapon handling, and advanced combat drills. His deep dedication to the regiment earned him tremendous respect within military circles. Following this period of rigorous preparation and service, he was granted an honorary commission in the Territorial Army, officially holding the rank of Captain before eventually being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.
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Cinematic Authenticity and Frontline Service
The intense military training significantly shaped the technical direction and gritty realism of Prahaar. Beyond the film's production, Patekar’s association with the armed forces translated into real-world duty. During the 1999 Kargil War, he actively volunteered to serve alongside the troops on the frontlines under a Quick Response Team, drawing directly on his earlier training with the Maratha Light Infantry. His transition from an actor seeking operational realism to a commissioned officer remains one of the most remarkable military associations in Indian cinema.
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Patekar passed away due to cardiac arrest on Thursday, October 8, 2026, around 5:20 AM at his Goa residence.