Basic Information
Name -♎ Vishwanath Patekar, popularly known as Nana Patekar
Date of Birth - January 1, 1951
Nationality - Indian
Children - Malhar Patekar
Siblings - Ashok Patekar, Dilip Patekar
Profession - Actor, Writer, Philanthropist
Social Media Links -💖 Nana Patekar maintains a minimal online presence and does not have verified personal social media accounts.
Biography
🉐Nana Patekar, born Vishwanath Patekar on January 1, 1949, is a celebrated Indian actor, filmmaker, and former officer in the Indian Territorial Army. Known for his remarkable performances in both Hindi and Marathi cinema, Nana is widely regarded as one of the most skilled and influential actors in Indian cinema. Over the years, he has won numerous accolades, including three National Film Awards, four Filmfare Awards, and two Filmfare Marathi Awards. His immense contribution to arts and cinema was recognized in 2013 when he was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri.
Nana’s journey in the film industry began with his debut in the 1978 drama Gaman. He initially appeared in a mix of Marathi and Bollywood films, slowly earning recognition for his intense acting style. A major breakthrough came with the Academy Award-nominated Salaam Bombay (1988), where his powerful performance brought him into the spotlight. However, it was his role in Parinda⭕ (1989) that cemented his place in the industry. Playing a complex and layered character in this crime drama, Nana received the National Film Award and the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.
In 1991, Nana showcased his versatility by making his directorial debut with Prahaar: The Final Attack. Known for his commitment to authenticity, he underwent military training to prepare for his role as a soldier. Throughout the 1990s, Nana delivered iconic performances in films like Angaar (1992), which earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Villain, and the patriotic hit Tirangaa (1993). His portrayal in Krantiveer (1994) was both intense and inspiring, earning him the National Film Award for Best Actor and the Filmfare Award for Best Actor. He continued to win hearts with his moving performances in Agni Sakshi (1996), which brought him his second National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor, and Khamoshi: The Musicalꦬ (1996), where he excelled in an emotionally charged role.
In the 2000s, Nana maintained his stronghold in Indian cinema with diverse roles in critically acclaimed films. His portrayal of a fearless encounter specialist in Ab Tak Chhappan (2004) and a morally complex politician in Apaharan (2005), which earned him another Filmfare Award for Best Villain, showcased his range as an actor. The versatile performer also proved his comic timing with his unforgettable role as Uday Shetty, a lovable gangster in Welcome (2007) and its sequel Welcome Back (2015). In Raajneetiꦫ (2010), he played a shrewd politician with remarkable finesse.
Nana’s legacy reached new heights in 2016 with the Marathi film Natsamrat🌸, where he portrayed a retired stage actor grappling with the complexities of life. His soul-stirring performance won him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Marathi) and reaffirmed his position as a cinematic legend.
Career Timeline
Key Milestones:
1978 - Made his debut with the film Gaman.
1989 - Breakthrough role in Parinda༒, where he played the complex character of Anna, winning his first National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.
1991 - Played a fiery, rebellious character in Krantiveerಌ, which brought him national fame and a Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
1994 -💫 Became the first actor to win Filmfare Awards in the Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Villain categories for different films.
2004 - Delivered a memorable performance in Ab Tak Chhappan as an upright and fearless cop.
2015 - Featured in Natsamrat♕, showcasing his theatrical roots with a deeply emotional portrayal of a retired stage actor.
2019 -♓ Took a step back from mainstream cinema, focusing more on social work and occasional projects.
Achievements
Awards & Recognition
National Film Award: Best Supporting Actor for Parinda (1989).
Filmfare Award: Multiple wins, including Best Actor for Krantiveer (1994).
Padma Shri:𒉰 Honored in 2013 for his contribution to Indian cinema and philanthropy.
Records/Stats
✤Known for introducing a raw and realistic style of acting in Bollywood.
Iconic dialogues such as "Control, Uday, Control" from Welcome remain etched in public memory.
Philanthropic Work
🥀Nana Patekar is not just admired for his extraordinary acting talent but also for his simple lifestyle and unwavering dedication to philanthropy. Known for living modestly, he has consistently used his resources and influence to make a difference in the lives of those in need. His generosity is evident in the numerous charitable activities he has undertaken over the years, reflecting his deep commitment to social causes.
One of his notable contributions was towards rebuilding flood-ravaged villages in Bihar, which he supported through the charitable organization Anubhuthi. Similarly, the entire remuneration he earned from his performance in the film Paathshaala꧋ was donated to five different charitable organizations, underlining his selfless nature. When honored with the prestigious Raj Kapoor Award, which included a cash prize of ₹1,000,000, Nana donated the entire amount to support drought relief activities in Maharashtra.
🌳In August 2015, Nana distributed cheques of ₹15,000 each to 62 families of farmers in Vidarbha who had tragically lost loved ones to suicide due to debt and drought. He extended similar aid to 113 families from the Latur and Osmanabad districts of Marathwada the following month.
♉In September 2015, Nana co-founded the Naam Foundation with fellow Marathi actor Makarand Anaspure. The foundation focuses on supporting farmers in Maharashtra, helping them combat the devastating effects of drought.
Key Quotes / Catchphrases
"I am not an actor. I just live the character."
ꦚ"What you do for others matters more than what you do for yourself."
🀅“We should judge by talent and work not by community or caste.”
