‘After Dharamji, Nana Patekarji was the easiest actor to work with’: ‘Gadar’ director Anil Sharma recalls his bond with the late actor and their unfulfilled ‘Gadar 3’ collaboration that never materialised | Hindi Movie News
Filmmaker Anil Sharma has paid tribute to veteran actor Nana Patekar, recalling his warmth, simplicity and generosity on film sets. In an interview with Mid-Day, the ‘Gadar’ director said Patekar was the easiest actor to work with after Dharmendra and revealed that they had discussed collaborating on ‘Gadar 3’. Following Patekar’s death at 75 on October 8, 2026, Sharma’s recollections have also brought attention to their last film together, Vanvaas.
Anil Sharma remembers Nana Patekar’s warmth and generosity
Anil Sharma has remembered Nana Patekar as a warm, unassuming person who was as generous off screen as he was accomplished as an actor. Speaking to the afore mentioned publication, the filmmaker recalled how Patekar would often serve food to people on set and sometimes cook for the entire crew himself.“When someone says Nana Patekar, I think of how jovial he was, and the ease that he worked with. Sometimes on sets, he would serve food to people, other times he would cook for everyone,” Sharma said.Describing Patekar as a knowledgeable man, a great artiste and an even greater human being, Sharma also highlighted his commitment to social work. He recalled how the actor would walk long distances in rural areas to help underprivileged communities, particularly with water-related problems.
Anil Sharma dismisses reports of the late actor being difficult to work with
Sharma also dismissed the perception that Patekar was difficult to work with, drawing a comparison with Dharmendra, whom he affectionately referred to as Dharamji.“The talk about him being difficult to work with never had any truth in it. I would say that after Dharamji [Dharmendra], Nana Patekarji was the easiest actor to work with,” the filmmaker said.The director’s comments challenge the reputation that had sometimes followed Patekar and underline the professional ease Sharma experienced while working with him.See More: Nana Patekar passes away: Nana Patekar cremated with full state honours at his Pune farmhouse; thousands bid him an emotional farewell as his son lights the funeral pyre
Anil Sharma reveals Nana Patekar and he had discussed ‘Gadar 3’
Sharma also revealed that he and Patekar had discussed the possibility of working together on Gadar 3. However, the planned reunion will now remain unrealised following the actor’s death.“There were talks happening about us collaborating on Gadar 3, but now [that will remain an unfulfilled wish],” Sharma said.The filmmaker added that he had last spoken to Patekar a few months ago. He had planned to visit the actor during Ganpati but could not make it.Reflecting on the missed opportunity, Sharma said, “I last spoke to him a few months ago. I had thought of visiting him this Ganpati, but I couldn’t make it. Now I feel jo karna hai, turant karlena chahiye (Whatever needs to be done, should be done immediately).”
Nana Patekar dies at 75 after reported cardiac arrest
Nana Patekar passed away on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75. The veteran actor was found unresponsive at his residence in Goa after experiencing severe chest pain and was taken to Manipal Hospital. Doctors attempted to revive him, but he was declared dead at approximately 5.20 am, according to ANI and IANS.Patekar built a career spanning nearly five decades across Hindi and Marathi cinema, earning acclaim for performances in films such as ‘Parinda’, ‘Krantiveer’, ‘Agni Sakshi’, ‘Ab Tak Chhappan’ and ‘Natsamrat’. Beyond acting, he was known for his social work, including efforts to support rural communities and farmers through the Naam Foundation.His death prompted tributes from across the film industry, with colleagues remembering not only his distinctive performances but also his contribution to society.
Anil Sharma and Nana Patekar’s last film together was ‘Vanvaas’
Sharma and Patekar last worked together on ‘Vanvaas’, the 2024 family drama directed by Sharma and featuring Utkarsh Sharma and Simrat Kaur alongside Patekar.
