Basic Details

Few actors in Indian cinema command the kind of respect Nana Patekar does. Known for his commanding screen presence, razor-sharp dialogue delivery, and emotionally intense performances, Nana Patekar carved a niche for himself as one of Bollywood’s most versatile and fearless actors. Whether playing a rugged hero, a fiery antagonist, or a troubled common man, Nana Patekar movies have always reflected realism and raw energy. His life is a story of grit, loss, and remarkable transformation.


Born in humble surroundings, Nana faced tragic personal losses early in life, but channelled his pain into his art. From being a theatre actor struggling to make ends meet, to winning national accolades and becoming a household name, Nana Patekar’s biography is as dramatic and impactful as his filmography. In this article, we’ll explore his journey from ordinary beginnings to extraordinary fame, his achievements, personal life, controversies, and philanthropic efforts.

Physical Stats and More

Biography

Nana Patekar, born as Vishwanath Patekar, hails from Murud-Janjira in Maharashtra. Raised in a modest Marathi household, Nana’s early life was full of struggle. His father was a textile painter and mother a homemaker. He lost his father early and later his first son in infancy, both events leaving an indelible mark on his life.

He pursued his education at Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art, Mumbai, and started his journey with theatre and small roles. His breakthrough came with “Parinda” (1989), earning him a National Film Award. From there, Nana delivered hard-hitting performances in “Krantiveer,” “Ab Tak Chhappan,” “Yeshwant,” “Prahaar,” and more. Unlike most stars, actor Nana Patekar preferred roles that mirrored society and often wrote or contributed to scripts to make them realistic.Apart from Hindi, Nana Patekar movies include work in Marathi cinema. His powerful dialogue delivery and natural acting style turned him into a cult figure. Whether it was playing a tough cop, an emotional father, or a disturbed man caught in societal evils, Nana infused realism into Indian cinema.

Relationships & More

Career

Rise to Prominence: 1980s–1990s

• His major breakthrough arrived with Parinda (1989), winning the National & Filmfare Best Supporting Actor awards

• Showcased versatility and intensity in films like Prahaar (1991 — his directorial debut), Angaar (1992), and Krantiveer (1994), the latter earning him National & Filmfare Best Actor honors
  
• Continued acclaim followed with Agni Sakshi (1996), Khamoshi (1996), Ghulam-E-Mustafa (1997), and Yeshwant (1997)
  
  

Powerhouse Performances & Pan‑Indian Reach

• Result-driven roles in mainstream hits: Shakti: The Power (2002), Ab Tak Chhappan (2004), Apaharan (2005), and Welcome (2007) solidified his standing

• Expanded into Marathi cinema, delivering acclaimed performances in Deool and Dr. Prakash Baba Amte (2011), and steered the blockbuster adaptation Natsamrat (2016), winning Filmfare Marathi Best Actor
  
  

Recent Projects & Diverse Roles

• Portrayed the courageous Rakesh Maria in The Attacks of 26/11 (2013)

• Ventured into Tamil cinema with Rajinikanth’s Kaala (2018), and the romantic comedy Ole Aale (2024) in Marathi.
  
• Continued work includes Tadka (2022), The Vaccine War (2023), Vanvaas (2024), and Housefull 5 (2025)
  
  

Awards & Accolades

• National Film Awards: Parinda (Best Supporting Actor), Krantiveer (Best Actor), Agni Sakshi (Best Supporting Actor)

• Filmfare Awards: Multiple wins for Parinda, Angaar, Krantiveer, and Apharan
  
• Honored with the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contributions to Indian cinema .

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Other Details

Contributions Beyond Work

Nana Patekar philanthropy is as powerful as his on-screen roles. He is the founder of the Naam Foundation, which supports drought-hit farmers in Maharashtra. He has donated lakhs from his film earnings, helped build homes, and supported widows of suicide-affected farmer families.

He refuses to accept awards at times and prefers to use his fame to uplift rural India. His simplicity, social work, and honesty make him a rare gem in Bollywood.

The Legacy of Nana Patekar

Nana Patekar’s legacy isn’t just his compelling movies or intense acting—it’s his fearless voice against injustice, his raw portrayals of human emotion, and his commitment to society. Whether you love him as a righteous cop or a strict father, Nana Patekar movies leave an impact that few can match.He remains one of the most respected personalities in Indian cinema, blending talent with truth. What do you think about actor Nana Patekar’s journey? Share your favorite film or moment in the comments below!

Other Facts:

• Education: Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art, Mumbai
  

• Schooling: Local Marathi schools in Mumbai
  

• Interesting Facts:
  
  
  • Nana Patekar is a trained painter and even worked as a commercial artist before entering films.
    
    
  • He voluntarily served in the Indian Army during the Kargil War, undergoing actual military training.
    
    
  • Despite his fame, Nana lives a very simple life—he cooks his own food and avoids luxury.
    
    
  • He was the first actor to win Filmfare Awards in Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Villain categories.
    
    
  • Nana once donated his entire remuneration from a film to a drought relief fund for farmers in Maharashtra.
    
    
  • He is a chain smoker turned non-smoker—he quit smoking after decades of addiction.
    
    
  • Nana Patekar rarely attends Bollywood parties or award shows, preferring solitude and rural life.
    
    
  • He wrote and directed the film “Prahaar”, which was inspired by real-life military stories.
    
    
  • Naam Foundation, co-founded by Nana, has helped thousands of farmers with education, employment, and housing.
    
    
  • Nana often travels anonymously on local trains in Mumbai, blending in with common people.