Widely acclaimed for his on-screen performances, actor Nana Patekar has long occupied a unique space in Maharashtra’s public life. Beyond cinema, he is known for extensive social work, most notably relief initiatives for drought-hit farm families, and for warm relationships across the state’s political spectrum.
During 1995–1999, when the Shiv Sena–BJP combine was in power and Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray was at the height of his influence, Patekar publicly called him out for disparaging Marathi literary figures. Over the decades, Patekar cultivated warm ties across party lines and hosted senior leaders from Maharashtra’s rival political parties for the Ganesh festival celebrations at his home in Mumbai and later at his farm near Pune. “When Balasaheb Thackeray was alive, he used to call me whenever he wants. We used to speak on phone or he used to ask me to come to Matoshree for meeting. Beyond politics, Patekar had been a long-time supporter of Baba Amte’s Anandwan project and played the character of Prakash Amte who runs hospitals, schools and and orphanage in tribal areas of Gadchiroli in in an acclaimed biographical film.
“Balasaheb, you have earned an image in our hearts and even you don’t have a right to destroy it,” he said. In an interview, Patekar said he stopped visiting Matoshree with Balasaheb’s death. But after his death phone calls from Matoshree stopped and my relation with that home ended,” Patekar said.
His blunt response irked Raj Thackeray, who at a party function, mocked him. He is a good actor and we respect him for it. But he should not speak on the issue which he doesn’t understand. He praises every political leader and tried to preach on various matters. But this Patekar never raise his voice when Marathi films were not getting screens during prime time. Look at actors from the South. But the MNS chief did come out in his support when an actor accused him of sexual harassment. “Nana Patekar may speaking nonsense at several times.
“Mahatma Nana Patekar has said something on illegal hawkers issue. They speak for their state and regional pride,” Raj said. But he will not do anything like this.” said Raj.
