Shivaji Satam recalls Nana Patekar fighting for his pay; says actor helped him during his wife’s cancer battle: ‘He did more for me than even my own brother might have’ |

‘CID’ actor Shivaji Satam shared emotional memories of Nana Patekar, recalling how the late actor supported him professionally and personally. Speaking at Nana’s prayer meet in Mumbai, Shivaji reflected on their friendship of nearly 40 years. He remembered how Nana persuaded him to enter Hindi cinema, confronted producers over his payment and helped him continue working while his wife battled cancer. His recollections offered a glimpse into a friendship that extended far beyond their professional association.

Shivaji Satam remembers nearly 40 years of friendship

The memorial gathering, titled ‘athvanitle Nana (Nana in our memories),’ was held at the P.L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy complex in Mumbai’s Prabhadevi. Several members of the film industry attended to pay tribute to Nana Patekar and remember his influence on their lives.According to Hindustan Times, Shivaji spoke about his disbelief upon learning of Nana’s death. He also credited his friend with helping him establish himself in Hindi cinema.“Nana passed away so suddenly. When I heard the news, I honestly couldn’t believe it. I have countless memories with Nana. We had known each other for nearly 40 years, and it was because of him that I found my footing in Hindi cinema. He was the one who pulled me into Hindi films. He convinced me, saying, ‘You should do this. You must do it.’”

How Nana Patekar convinced him to do ‘Yashwant’

Shivaji Satam recalled that Nana Patekar recommended him for a police officer’s role in ‘Yashwant’, his first Hindi film. Although the producer approached him for the part, Shivaji was initially reluctant to accept it.The producer eventually contacted Nana after Shivaji repeatedly declined the offer. Nana personally persuaded his friend to reconsider, and Shivaji finally agreed to take on the role. The film became an important milestone in his career.

Nana Patekar stood up for Shivaji Satam’s pay

Their friendship also shaped how Nana responded when he learnt about Shivaji’s remuneration for ‘Yashwant’. He was reportedly upset that his friend had accepted the payment without consulting him. Nana then contacted the producers himself, despite Shivaji asking him not to intervene.“After the shoot was over, I met Nana again, and he asked me about the payment I had received. When I told him the amount, he got really angry. He said, ‘You should have asked me at least once!’ He then scolded me, asking why I hadn’t consulted him before accepting the payment. After that, he called the producers himself,” Shivaji said.Shivaji recalled that Nana made the producer stand for two hours, much like a teacher making students stand in school. The incident remained a memorable example of Nana’s determination to ensure his friend was treated fairly.

How Nana Patekar helped during his wife’s cancer treatment

Shivaji also remembered Nana’s support when his wife was diagnosed with cancer during the filming of ‘Ghulam-E-Musthafa’. Concerned about managing the film alongside his wife’s treatment, he considered withdrawing from the project.Nana spoke to the director and others involved in the production. Director Partho Ghosh subsequently arranged a schedule that allowed Shivaji to work from noon until 8 pm, giving him time to attend to his family.“I loved Nana dearly because he did more for me than even my own brother might have. My wife was diagnosed with cancer while we were shooting for the film Ghulam-E-Musthafa. I told Nana that I wouldn’t be able to continue with the film, but he refused to accept that. He spoke to the director and everyone else involved. The next day, our director, Partho Ghosh, told me, ‘Come at 12 noon, and I’ll let you go by 8 pm.’ This was possible because of Nana. He made sure I was taken care of and supported me like a real brother. There are so many stories like this. He was an incredibly lovable person. Sometimes, he would suddenly call me and ask, ‘What are you doing? Come to the farm immediately!’ That was just the kind of person Nana was.”Nana Patekar passed away on October 8 at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa. His demise prompted tributes from colleagues across the film industry.‘Shakti Shalini’, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, has been identified in the supplied information as his final full cinematic work. The film is part of a horror-comedy universe and reportedly features Nana as an occultist or tantric.