Nana Patekar’s passing at the age of 75 has left Indian cinema mourning one of its most distinctive performers. As tributes pour in for the actor, we look back at a 2015 Filmfare interview in which Nana spoke candidly about his approach to acting, his insistence on self-respect and his complicated relationship with fame.
By then, Nana had already built an impressive filmography that included Salaam Bombay, Parinda, Krantiveer, Agnisakshi, Khamoshi, Welcome and Ab Tak Chhappan. His performances in Parinda and Krantiveer had also earned him Filmfare recognition, with the latter winning him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
Explaining why he had turned down several films over the years, he told Filmfare, “A film does not belong to one particular person. Its success and failure affect everyone. So I believe I have a right to interfere. You have to convince me that what you’re doing is right. Being a director does not mean that you can do whatever you like. I do trouble the director a bit. Guess that is my birthright. I am like this only,” he laughs.
He continued, “You cannot enjoy life without self-respect. You do your work, I earn my living, and I live my own life, so why should I suffer an insult from anyone? Whenever I sense something going wrong, I just leave the place.”
He was also candid about his tendency to argue, but insisted that he did not hold on to those disagreements. “Yes, I get into arguments. But I don’t keep things in my heart. When I was younger, my blood pressure used to be 120/80. It’s the same today. Main logon ka BP badhata hoon.”
The actor had little interest in the constant visibility that often comes with being a film star. He also spoke about deliberately staying away from the spotlight and explained why he believed excessive visibility could work against an actor.
“This has helped me survive in the industry for 42 long years. If you are seen often, then you will not last long. I don’t wish to be in the news for the wrong reasons. What is stardom? When I’m facing the camera, I’m an actor; otherwise, I’m a common man. Stardom has a short life. When all this is over, it will be difficult for me to live.”
His disinterest in the trappings of celebrity life was also evident in his attitude towards film parties. Nana admitted that he preferred to stay away from them, particularly because of the behaviour he had seen around alcohol and fame.
“People get drunk and forget who they are. They behave badly and apologise the next day. I hate all this. I don’t consider liquor bad. I too drink sometimes. But I’m always in control. I had my first drink when I was 28. I used to smoke a lot, but I succeeded in quitting the habit.”
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: filmfare.com
