Bollywood Roundup: Shah Rukh Khan, Anupam Kher, Ali Fazal, and more…

Shah Rukh Khan Remembers Nana Patekar’s Unconventional Advice During Their First Meeting

Mumbai — Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan paid an emotional tribute to veteran actor Nana Patekar, recalling their first meeting and the unconventional advice he received from the late star.

Khan said he was nervous during their first encounter and kept adjusting his hair when Patekar slapped his hand away and told him, “Hero ki tarah baal mat bana…tu actor hai” (Don’t style your hair like a hero. You’re an actor).

“He didn’t flatter you. He didn’t tell you what you wanted to hear. He told you what you needed to hear. That was Nana. Straightforward. Rough, honest and had the most beautiful smile,” Khan wrote on social media.

Describing Patekar as a mentor, teacher, critic and friend, Khan recalled his unusual way of expressing affection.

“He would shout at you first, and then somewhere between the third or fourth insult, you realised you were being hugged,” he wrote.

Khan also remembered their friendly carrom matches, saying Patekar regularly defeated everyone and enjoyed his victories.

Expressing regret over not having more time together, Khan said he wished they could have shared another cup of tea and played another game of carrom.

“You have left a void not only in the world of cinema but in the hearts of all Indians and the world,” he wrote, adding that he would always cherish Patekar’s advice.

Khan and Patekar appeared together in the 1992 film Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, which also starred Juhi Chawla.

Anupam Kher Recalls Learning of Nana Patekar’s Death After Washington Performance

Mumbai — Veteran actor Anupam Kher paid an emotional tribute to Nana Patekar, recalling how he learned of his longtime friend’s death moments after completing a stage performance in Washington, D.C.

In an Instagram post, Kher said he had just taken his curtain call when director Gajendra informed him that Patekar had died.

“After that, I had to meet people, pose for photographs, smile, sit down for a meal… while trying to absorb what I had just heard. It was terribly difficult,” Kher wrote.

The 71-year-old actor said he continued fulfilling his commitments because he believed Patekar would have wanted him to honor his responsibilities to the audience.

In an accompanying video, Kher struggled to contain his emotions, describing Patekar as a larger-than-life personality with an exceptionally generous heart.

“Some people, you don’t think that they will ever go. Nana was one of them,” he said, recalling their friendship and years of working together.

Kher also remembered Patekar’s playful displays of anger, saying his seemingly harsh manner often concealed genuine warmth and affection.

“I will miss you, my friend. Your warmth. Your hugs. Your extraordinary performances,” Kher wrote, adding that he wished he could embrace Patekar one more time.

Kher and Patekar appeared together in several Bollywood films, including Mohre, Parinda and Raajneeti.

Patekar died on October 8 at age 75. He was reportedly found unconscious at his residence in Goa after experiencing severe chest discomfort.

Ali Fazal Remembers Nana Patekar’s Home-Cooked Meal, Unfulfilled Promise to Visit Daughter

Mumbai — Actor Ali Fazal paid an emotional tribute to Nana Patekar, recalling a memorable meal the veteran actor prepared for him and a promise he made just weeks before his death.

In a social media post, Fazal revealed that Patekar had recently promised to visit his home to bless his daughter, Zuneyra Ida Fazal.

“Just a few weeks ago you said, you’ll come home to bless my daughter.. i am heartbroken today on hearing news of you leaving us like this,” Fazal wrote.

The actor also remembered Patekar’s hospitality and their personal conversations.

“I still remember how fondly you cooked for me in your home.. one of the best meals ive had,” he shared.

Describing Patekar as a guiding influence, Fazal praised his contributions to cinema and his deep affection for India.

“Your aura and your personality resonated far beyond your acting skills. I know how much you cared for this country. We will miss you dearly,” he wrote.

Fazal added that their conversations would remain unfinished but said Patekar’s presence would be cherished wherever he was.

The two actors worked together in the 2022 comedy-drama Tadka, directed by Prakash Raj and also starring Shriya Saran and Taapsee Pannu.

Patekar died on October 8 at age 75 after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest at his home. He was taken to Manipal Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him.

Akshay Kumar Mourns Nana Patekar, Remembers Their Time Together on Film Sets

Mumbai — Bollywood star Akshay Kumar paid an emotional tribute to veteran actor Nana Patekar, recalling their collaborations in Welcome and Housefull 5 following Patekar’s death at age 75.

“Really saddened by the news of Nana ji’s passing. He was one of those rare actors who never needed to do too much to make you sit up and watch,” Kumar wrote on social media.

Praising Patekar’s distinctive acting style, Kumar added, “That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance… he was completely his own.”

The actor said he felt fortunate to have worked with Patekar in two films and would always cherish their memories together.

“Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It’s hard to believe you’re gone. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say,” he wrote.

Kumar and Patekar first appeared together in Anees Bazmee’s 2007 comedy Welcome, in which Kumar played Rajiv and Patekar portrayed the popular character Uday Shetty. Patekar’s comic partnership with Anil Kapoor, who played Majnu Bhai, became a highlight of the film.

The actors reunited in the 2025 comedy Housefull 5, which also featured Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh and Sanjay Dutt.

Patekar died on October 8 after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. He was taken to Manipal Hospital after being found unconscious.