When you mention shooting with reference to an actor, chances are you mean the kind with a camera. But for Nana Patekar , the word was relevant in its other meaning too. A National Award-winning actor, Nana was also a professional shooter, competing in the rifle shooting competition at state and national levels for decades. His prowess in shooting even earned him the title of a ‘renowned shot’.
Around 2001, when he was 49, he turned to competitions. His experience training with the Indian Army for his 1991 film Prahaar made him a natural at this. In 2004, Nana won a silver medal in the 300m big-bore event at the 48th National Shooting Championships held at the BSF’s Reoti Range in Indore. Three years later, he won the team bronze with Maharashtra, scoring 549/600 and finishing 13th out of 49 participants in the same competition. His performance in 2007 earned him the title of ‘renowned shot’. Nana Patekar’s son, Malhar Patekar, confirmed to local media that the actor died on the morning of October 8. Doctors attempted to revive the actor for around 45 minutes but were unsuccessful. The actor was declared dead at around 5:20 am, with doctors citing a heart attack as the cause of death.
Nana competed in the 50m rifle prone and 300m big-bore events, training extensively at ranges such as Balewadi in Pune and Mhow. The tag meant that the actor could import a rifle duty-free. Nana continued to participate in National and State-level shooting events till into his 60s. Even after that, he would shoot recreationally, practising at various ranges around the country. The actor was known to carry his equipment to outdoor shoots whenever he found a range nearby. Nana was found unconscious at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa, and was rushed to Manipal Hospital.
“Let me get this new rifle, I can assure you I will shoot 590 points out of 600,” Nana had said back then, with unabashed cockiness.
