Actress Shilpa Shirodkar has paid tribute to veteran actor Nana Patekar, recalling his remarkable contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema and his commitment to helping people. Although she never had the opportunity to work alongside him, Shilpa said she had always admired his acting prowess and the respect he commanded within the film fraternity.
Speaking about his legacy, Shilpa said, “I’ve never worked with him, never had the privilege to work with him, but obviously he’s one of the best actors. He stood for the community always, and the industry is truly, truly going to miss a legendary actor.”
She further praised his ability to bring authenticity to every role, making even complex characters appear believable on screen.
“Because whatever characters or films he did in Hindi or Marathi, he did it with so much conviction that you were made to believe that characters like that exist, you know?” she added.
Shilpa also spoke about Nana Patekar’s reputation for supporting people both within and outside the entertainment industry. While she had never shared screen space with him, she said she had often heard about his generosity and the goodwill he enjoyed.
“I’ve never had a chance to work with him. I’ve never shared screen space with him or anything like that, but obviously Nana ji was a very respected person in the fraternity, and even in his area. He has always done good for people—his own people and outside people. I’ve always heard these things, so yeah,” she shared.
Recalling his memorable performances, Shilpa singled out Parinda as the film she would always associate with the actor. She described the film as a significant cinematic achievement, particularly for its storytelling, visual treatment and portrayal of characters.
“I loved him in Parinda. In Parinda, he was so good, so I think that was a film I will always think of when I think of Nana ji. It was a life-changing film for everyone—the way it was shot, the way it was done, the way he was shown, everything,” she said.
Shilpa’s remarks reflect her admiration for Nana Patekar’s screen presence, his dedication to his craft and the impact his performances have had on generations of cinema audiences.