Entertainment

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Veteran actor Nana Patekar was given a solemn farewell with a gun salute and full state honours at his farmhouse in Pune. Thousands of admirers and farmers gathered to pay their last respects to the celebrated actor, whose connection with rural communities remained an important part of his public life. However, the limited presence of prominent Bollywood celebrities at his funeral has sparked criticism, with Marathi actor and filmmaker Pravin Tarde openly expressing his disappointment over the Hindi film industry's response.

Nana Patekar, who was 75, reportedly suffered a sudden cardiac emergency at his residence in Goa and passed away, leaving the film fraternity and admirers across the country in mourning. His mortal remains were wrapped in the national flag as he was accorded a dignified farewell. While fans and farmers turned out in large numbers to honour the veteran actor, the absence of several leading Bollywood personalities became a talking point, prompting Tarde to question the industry's priorities.

Speaking in an interview with the media, Tarde maintained that the absence of Bollywood personalities did not diminish Nana Patekar's stature or legacy in any way. He argued that the actor's contribution to society and his deep connection with ordinary people were far more significant than the presence or absence of film stars at his funeral.

“Bollywood personalities not attending the funeral does not diminish Nana's greatness even slightly. Bollywood can never be bigger than Nana. Thousands of farmers walked to attend his last journey. They carried the smell of soil and sweat. These farmers are far more important than any Bollywood star wearing perfume,” Tarde said.

His remarks reflected the profound respect Nana Patekar commanded among farmers and people from rural communities. Throughout his life, the actor was known for maintaining a grounded public image and for his association with agricultural issues. Rather than identifying himself primarily as a Bollywood celebrity, Nana often expressed a preference for being regarded as a farmer, reflecting his close connection with the land and rural life.

Tarde also recalled how Nana's understanding of ordinary people set him apart from many celebrities. According to the Marathi actor and filmmaker, even an ordinary farmer travelling from Dhule held greater significance in Nana's eyes than a film industry's leading hero. His comments sought to underline the veteran actor's values and the importance he attached to people who often remain outside the spotlight.

However, Tarde did not conceal his disappointment with the response from the film fraternity. He said he had expected at least those who considered Nana a friend to attend the funeral and stand by the family during the final farewell.

“I have my grievances. At the very least, those whom Nana considered his friends should have come. Even when a relatively minor actor dies in Mumbai, people line up wearing white clothes. But in Nana's case... anyway, the farmers were there, and we were there too,” Tarde said.

The pointed remarks have drawn attention to the relationship between professional associations in the film industry and personal bonds that extend beyond the screen. Tarde's criticism was not simply about attendance at a funeral but also about the respect and solidarity he believed Nana deserved from people who had worked with him for decades.

Nevertheless, several well-known personalities from the film industry did attend the funeral to pay their respects. Among them were Jackie Shroff, Suresh Wadkar, Anees Bazmee, Mehul Kumar and Sajid Nadiadwala. Several prominent figures from the Marathi entertainment industry, including Makarand Anaspure, Prasad Oak and Rahul Deshpande, were also present to bid farewell to the veteran actor.

Nana Patekar's final hours were marked by a sudden medical emergency at his residence in Goa. Reports stated that he experienced severe chest pain before losing consciousness. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was reportedly administered for around 45 minutes in an attempt to revive him. Despite the efforts, he could not be saved, and he was declared dead at a private hospital in Dona Paula at 5.20 am.

His death has left a deep void in Indian cinema, where he was admired for his powerful performances, distinctive acting style and willingness to take on challenging roles. Beyond his film career, his association with farmers and rural causes had helped him establish a connection with people far removed from the glamour of the entertainment industry.

The large turnout of farmers at his final journey served as a reminder of the affection he enjoyed beyond Bollywood. For Tarde, their presence represented the most meaningful tribute to Nana Patekar, whose legacy, he suggested, should be measured not by the number of celebrities attending his funeral but by the ordinary people who came forward to honour him.

As tributes continue to pour in, the debate surrounding the attendance of Bollywood celebrities has become part of the wider conversation about Nana Patekar's final farewell. Yet the sight of thousands of admirers and farmers gathering to pay their respects remains a powerful testament to the impact the veteran actor had on people's lives.