Film Industry and Dignitaries Gather in Mumbai for Nana Patekar's Memorial Service

Members of the film fraternity and public figures gathered in Mumbai to pay their final respects to veteran actor Nana Patekar at a prayer meet titled 'Aathvanilya Nana'. Held at the P.L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy complex in Prabhadevi, the memorial service took place a week after the actor passed away at the age of 75 following a heart attack in Goa on October 8, 2026.

Attendees and Tributes

Actors Shivaji Satam, Rohini Hattangadi, Varsha Usgaonkar, filmmaker Sanjay Jadhav, director Mehul Kumar, Jackie Shroff, Suresh Wadkar, and Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe attended the prayer meeting. A special rangoli artwork at the venue entrance featured the late actor's memorable character from his acclaimed Marathi film 'Natsamrat'. Speaking at the event, Mundhe remembered the actor as a sensitive individual and a man of great purpose who cared deeply about helping the poor and uplifting society.

Controversy and Funeral Absence

Filmmaker and actor Pravin Tarde voiced criticism during an interview with ABP Majha regarding the absence of several Bollywood personalities at the actor's funeral, stating that the film industry is not bigger than the artist. Tarde noted that while Jackie Shroff and Suresh Wadkar attended, thousands of farmers were present at the last rites held at the actor's farmhouse in Pune on October 8.

Context

Prayer meetings and memorial gatherings serve as a space for the film community and public figures to come together and celebrate the artistic and social legacy of a departed artist. Such events allow colleagues, friends, and admirers to share memories and pay tribute to contributions made over a lifetime in cinema and theatre.