Paresh Rawal and Nana Patekar are acclaimed actors known for their powerful performances and versatility in Hindi cinema. Their on-screen chemistry and mutual respect have shone through in multiple films. Both the actors are celebrated for their honesty, bold choices and the ability to bring depth and authenticity to every role they portray.
Paresh Rawal recently opened up about his long-time colleague and friend Nana Patekar, offering a glimpse into the bond they share and the unique personality that sets Nana apart in the world of Hindi cinema.
While speaking in an interview, Paresh Rawal recounted a humorous yet interesting moment that captured the straightforward nature of Nana Patekar. He described how Nana Patekar once invited a producer to his home for a meal, only to surprise him afterward with a request that flipped expectations. The producer, having enjoyed the food, was then asked to wash his dishes. Paresh Rawal spoke of the moment with both amusement and admiration, saying it was characteristic of someone who does not bend for the sake of formality or status.
Paresh Rawal also revealed a lesser-known fact that speaks volumes about Nana Patekar’s sense of self-worth and clarity. Long before it was common for supporting actors to command high fees, Nana asked for – and successfully received – a remuneration of one crore rupees for a role. At a time when even leading actors hesitated to quote such figures, Nana Patekar’s bold ask disrupted the norm and became a turning point in how character actors were valued in the industry.
More than just the money, Paresh Rawal emphasised the principle behind it. He explained that for an artist like Nana, the fee was not merely transactional. If he felt a deep connection to a role or a project, he might work for a token amount. But if the passion was missing, no sum would lure him. Paresh Rawal opined that it was a testament to Nana’s integrity and fierce independence — traits that have earned him both respect and admiration over the years.
Having worked together in numerous films over the decades — from Krantiveer to Welcome Back — Paresh Rawal and Nana Patekar’s professional relationship is underscored by mutual respect and genuine affection. Through these anecdotes, Paresh Rawal did not just offer a few moments of laughter but he painted a portrait of an actor who refuses to be anything but authentic, both on and off the screen.
