Nana Patekar wanted to act in Malayalam cinema: ‘Not even a single director...’

Veteran actor Nana Patekar had expressed his desire to work in Malayalam cinema during his visit to the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in 2023, saying that not a single director from Kerala had approached him during his five-decade career.

Patekar, who passed away at 75 on Thursday after suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his residence, attended the inauguration of the 28th IFFK in Thiruvananthapuram in December 2023. Speaking at the festival, he recalled his first visit to Kerala and said the state had left a lasting impression on him.

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“I came to Kerala for the first time 32 years ago for a film shoot. Nothing has changed in the socio-political scenario since then. People think more with their heart. So, it is easier to communicate even if the languages are different. It has to be like this,” Patekar said.

The actor also spoke about his long-standing wish to be part of a Malayalam film. Despite a career spanning five decades, he said he had never received an offer from a Malayalam filmmaker.

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“Not even a single director from here (Kerala) has ever approached me in the last 50 years… that means I have to improve as an actor. I will try my best and will not let you down,” he said, delivering the remark with characteristic humour.

The actor had worked extensively in Hindi and Marathi cinema and earned acclaim for performances in films such as Parinda, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Ab Tak Chhappan, Welcome and Natsamrat. However, he never got the opportunity to appear in a Malayalam production.

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Patekar died at 5:20 am on Thursday following a severe cardiac arrest at his residence, Dr Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Oncology Department at Manipal Hospital, said. Despite 45 minutes of continuous CPR, he could not be revived. A medico-legal case has been registered and a post-mortem examination will be conducted.