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Aamir Khan expresses film industry joy as Maharashtra cinemas reopen

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 Film theatres opened in Maharashtra a few weeks back and they left the cinelovers smiling ear-to-ear. Within 24 hours of cinemas reopening, a barrage of release date announcements found their way on mainstream and social media. Hollywood releases helped the trade stay afloat in troubled waters.

Several Bollywood, TV and web actors flocked to the screens to witness the magic of silver screen again and expressed their excitement. Here’s what they said:

Aamir Khan shared, “It is a matter of great happiness that the cinemas have finally opened in Maharashtra. All of us were waiting eagerly for this. There are a lot of big films lined up for release. Wishing everybody great luck.”

TV actor Rithvik Dhanjani said, “What a beautiful feeling. I am completely overwhelmed. I still can’t process the fact that our cinemas have finally opened. We are back to normal. We can come back to the theatres and watch a movie. It’s an overwhelming feeling. I am so happy.”

Nandish Sandhu spoke about his experience as he said, “It’s a great experience to be back at the cinemas. We were all waiting to come back to the theatres. I have come back after 1.5 years. The experience has just been so wonderful. Sometimes we take it for granted. But we forget this whole experience of watching movies on the big screen is out of the world. And now after watching movies and shows at home on TV for a year and a half and now coming back to the theatres is a treat.”

Preeti Jhangiani said, “There are amazing safety measures everywhere in the theatres. I am sure everyone will feel safe coming back to watch movies. It is a fantastic experience.”

Aishwarya Sakhuja added, “Coming back to the movies is like a bag of mixed emotions. I feel as if I was never away but seeing movies on a big screen I realise that I am not used to it anymore. I am so glad that theatres are opening up, cinemas are opening up. We will be able to see these movies on the big screen, where they deserve to be seen. Ecstatic.”

‘Satyameva Jayate 2’ director Milap Zaveri mentioned, “It is so good to be back to the movies. It is absolutely great. I was missing the smell of popcorn and the audi seat. I would request everybody to come to the theatres to watch the movies. It is absolutely safe. Theatres are following all the SOPs. Everything is wonderful.”

Daisy Bopanna said, “So suddenly the screen feels like nostalgia. It’s like something of the past. Complete nostalgia where we used to come to theatres to watch the movie. It’s a lovely feeling actually.”

Shreyas Puranik shared, “I am so happy. To be out of our OTT platforms and home theatres. Finally good to be back.”

Aishwarya Bhandari added by saying, “Yeah, and the great sound, The great cinematic experience. Now that the theatres have opened up I think everybody would want to come back to it. I am so glad to tell you all that it is all safe. People are taking good care. The theatres are following all the safety precautions.”

Iqbal Khan said, “I am really happy because everything else in Mumbai was functioning except the theatres. I was really missing the magic of going and watching a movie on the big screen. It’s a different experience.”

Harshali Zine shared, “I am watching a film in the theatres after more than 2 years. It is great. It’s like a whole new world. It is a great experience.”

Abhilash Kumar mentioned, “I had a crazy experience. We have all been waiting for the past 2 years for the theatres to open. I had an amazing time watching the movie. It is so much fun.

Aahana Kumra spoke about finally leaving the laptop screens and watching movies where they belong – on the silver screen, “I am very excited. This is my profession. It’s my job. I am so excited to be back. It is nice to watch a movie in a theatre, in a Dolby. Not watching it on a laptop sitting at home. It’s exciting. It has its own charm. Welcome back to the cinema.”

An excited Nidhi Uttam shared, “It is actually thrilling. I had never imagined that theatres would open so soon. But I am so impressed by the way theatres have bounced back. Things are so sorted out here. I am so excited to go back to the screen and watch the films. It is going to be amazing.”

Ankur Rathee spoke about missing the screens, “It’s a wonderful feeling. I am visiting a theatre after such a long time. It’s been 2.5 years. I loved it.”

Sandeep Anand opined that nothing can come close to the experience of cinema, “Cinema is a totally different experience. Cinema is cinema. There is no substitute for it. No home theatres can be compared to the experience of watching a movie in a cinema hall. It is a complete experience in itself. I got so emotional while entering the cinema auditorium again. I have always been a cinema lover. Therefore I am in this field. Watching movies in a cinema after such a long period. It is a delight for me”.

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‘Welcome’ director Anees Bazmee requests privacy after Nana Patekar demise, says ‘not in a condition to talk’

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Mumbai, Oct 8: Filmmaker Anees Bazmee has requested the media to give him some time to process the demise of veteran actor Nana Patekar.

The two shared a memorable professional association through the iconic movie Welcome, where Bazmee directed Patekar in the role of the iconic Uday Shetty.

Following the actor’s death, the director shared a note saying that he was deeply saddened and was currently not in a condition to speak about the loss.

Sharing a message on his social media account, he addressed his media friends and wrote, “To all my media friends, I’m really sorry, but I’m not in a condition to talk right now. I’m deeply saddened and still unable to process what has happened. Please give me some time. I genuinely don’t have the words or the state of mind to say anything at the moment. This is an unbearable loss and an unbearable pain for me and for all of us. I hope you understand.

Regards, Anees Bazmee.”

Talking about Anees Bazmee and Nana Patekar, they came together for the 2007 comedy Welcome, which went on to become one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved comedies.

Nana Patekar played Uday Shankar Shetty, a feared underworld don who, despite his intimidating persona, is deeply concerned about finding a suitable husband for his sister Sanjana, played by Katrina Kaif.

Anees Bazmee, in an old interview had recalled how he convinced Nana Patekar, an actor predominantly known for intense dramatic performances, to take up a comedy role.

He said he believed the legendary actor would be exceptional at comedy. Nana Patekar eventually agreed after reading the script, famously telling Anees Bazmee that he was like “kachhi mitti” and could be moulded by the director.

The collaboration resulted in one of Nana Patekar’s most memorable comic performances. His chemistry with Anil Kapoor, who played Majnu Bhai, became a major highlight of the film.

Nana Patekar’s Uday Shetty became particularly popular for his fine acting and dialogue delivery. The now-iconic “Control Uday, control” became one of the film’s most recognisable lines and turned into a popular meme.

Another unforgettable moment was Uday’s vegetable-selling sequence, with the dialogue “Aloo le lo, kaanda le lo…”, followed by his ““Subah se na ek aloo bika hai, na bika hai aadha kanda!”, ” went on to become a cult moment.

Earlier, Akshay Kumar, who shared screen space with the legendary actor in Welcome and later reunited with him in Housefull 5, also paid an emotional tribute.

For the uninitiated, Nana Patekar passed away on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75, after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa.

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Akshay Kumar mourns Nana Patekar demise, says ‘it’s hard to believe you’re gone’

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Mumbai, Oct 8: The sudden demise of veteran actor Nana Patekar at the age of 75 has left the Indian film industry mourning and in a state of shock.

Among those remembering the late actor is Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, who shared an emotional note recalling his association with Patekar across two memorable films, Welcome and Housefull 5.

Taking to his social media account, Akshay wrote, “Really saddened by the news of Nana ji’s passing. He was one of those rare actors who never needed to do too much to make you sit up and watch. That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance… he was completely his own.”

Recalling their professional association, Akshay added, “I feel fortunate that we got to work together in Welcome, and then again more recently in Housefull 5. There are so many memories from those sets that I’ll always hold close.”

Akshay further remembered the legendary actor as a performer who was truly one of a kind, and wrote, “Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It’s hard to believe you’re gone. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say.”

Talking about Akshay Kumar and Nana Patekar’s professional association, they first shared screen space in Anees Bazmee’s 2007 comedy Welcome.

Akshay played Rajiv, while Patekar essayed the character of Uday Shetty, which went on to attain iconic status.

Nana Patekar’s chemistry in the movie with Anil Kapoor, who played Majnu Bhai, became one of the biggest highlights of the film.

Nearly two decades later, the actors reunited for Housefull 5. The 2025 comedy featured Akshay as Julius, while Nana Patekar played Superintendent Dhagdu Hulgund. The film also starred Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff and others.

For the uninitiated, Nana Patekar passed away on Thursday, October 8, at the age of 75 after reportedly suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. He was reportedly found unconscious at home and was taken to Manipal Hospital.

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Randeep Hooda to late Nana Patekar: When I first saw him in Parinda, didn’t think I was watching an actor

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Mumbai, Oct 8: Actor Randeep Hooda mourned the loss of veteran actor Nana Patekar, remembering how his performance in the 1989 “Parinda” made him feel he was watching a real person rather than an actor.

Randeep took to Instagram, where he praised Nana as he called him a “one-of-a-kind actor and human being.” He also shared a string of images of the late star from his younger days.

Taking to the caption section, he wrote: “When I first saw him in Parinda I didn’t think I was watching an actor. I thought I was watching a real person. When I met him years later, that feeling stayed with me.”

“He was exactly that, a real person who wore his heart on his sleeve and not just a pretentious actor. Saddened and shocked by the loss of a one-of-a-kind actor and human being. Honest, fearless and always true to himself. An arresting actor, a towering personality, and an inferno of talent. Rest in peace, Nana sir. You will be deeply missed. Om Shanti.”

Parinda is a crime thriller directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The film stars Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar and Madhuri Dixit.

Parinda’s story is loosely inspired by Marlon Brando starrer On the Waterfront. Parinda follows Kishan, who works for the underworld chieftain Anna.

Kishan’s brother Karan returns home after completing his studies in the United States. The two brothers are caught on different sides of a gang war after Karan decides to avenge his friend’s death by Anna.

The shocking news about Nana Patekar’s sudden demise came on October 8. He passed away in Goa at the age of 75.

His death was confirmed by the Manipal Hospital, Goa. The statement mentioned that the veteran star was found unconscious at his Dona Paula – Goa, residence and was rushed to the hospital. Doctors declared him brought dead.

In a career spanning over four-decades, Nana made a name with his powerful performances across Hindi and Marathi cinema. He made his Hindi film debut with Gaman in 1978 and went on to become one of the most respected performers of his generation.

Nana’s breakthrough came with films such as Salaam Bombay! and Parinda. He went on to deliver powerpack performances in films including Angaar, Tirangaa, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Yeshwant, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan and Raajneeti.

Nana Patekar was last seen in Subedaar. He played a special role as Lance Naik Nana Waghmare. Directed by Suresh Triveni, it also stars Anil Kapoor in the titular role, alongside Radhika Madan, Khushbu Sundar, Saurabh Shukla, Aditya Rawal, Mona Singh, and Faisal Malik.

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