Shekhar Suman pulls Shekhar Tonite finale after Nana Patekar's death

Shekhar Suman has scrapped the planned finale of his talk show Shekhar Tonite after veteran actor Nana Patekar died on Oct 8. Patekar, 75, was to be the season‑closing guest, but the host said no one can replace him and will not invite another. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Suman praised Patekar as fearless, brave and honest, noting the actor’s simplicity as his strongest trait. He recalled a phone call from Patekar a few days before his death, during which the actor thanked him for the show, said he watches it regularly and wanted to appear despite receiving many other offers. Suman said the call felt like receiving a Padma Vibhushan. The host also remembered working together on Sohanlal Kanwar’s 1990 film Tadap, which was completed but never released, and said the unreleased episode would have been "the most beautiful conversation" he ever had. He added that he had already written opening lines for the episode and intended to end the first season with Patekar’s memory. Nana Patekar died of cardiac arrest in Goa and was laid to rest with full state honours at a Pune farmhouse. Suman’s decision leaves the season without a final broadcast, a move he says will stay with him for life.

Context

Talk shows typically close a season with a high‑profile interview to boost viewership. Nana Patekar was regarded as one of Bollywood’s most respected performers, and his passing prompted tributes across the industry. The decision to skip the finale reflects the host’s respect for the actor’s unique legacy.