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.

New Delhi, Oct 8: NDA leaders on Thursday expressed grief over the demise of Nana Patekar and said that the veteran actor was conscious about the welfare of society and it was one of his core values. They further added that the actor will be remembered fondly for his good works and also for his contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, “He was a very close personal friend, and our families have shared a relationship for many years. He did a lot of work for farmers, water conservation, and those affected by farmer suicides with great sensitivity. Social consciousness, social responsibility, and sensitivity towards society were special qualities of his personality. We will remember his work in Hindi and Marathi cinema for many years. He added that his contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema will be remembered for a long time.”

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said, “He was a very prominent name in the world of cinema. Whether Marathi-speaking or Hindi-speaking, everyone watched and loved him. We mourn the demise of Nana Patekar ji and pray to God to grant him a place at His feet.”

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said, “This is very sad. When we all received the news of the incident, we were deeply shocked. Nana Patekar’s entire life was dedicated to the film industry, India and Indian culture. His acting left such a lasting impression that people from all sections of society accepted and appreciated him.”

UP Minister O.P. Rajbhar expressed grief over the demise of the brilliant actor and said, “It is a sad incident…We pray to God to give his family the strength to bear this loss. On my behalf, on behalf of my party and the people of the state, I pay tribute to him.”

Bihar minister Ram Kripal Yadav said, “Nana Patekar’s demise is a loss for the country and a major loss for the artistic community. He rose to prominence through the film and theatre world and was a very talented artist. No amount of praise can do justice to his art and acting. Through his characters, he highlighted the ills of society. We pay our heartfelt tributes to him and pray to God for the peace of his soul.”

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria said that the demise of Nana Patekar was tragic. Calling him one of the greatest Bollywood celebrities, he paid his respects and tribute to him.

Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar said, “He was an artist who overcame adverse conditions and left a mark on people through his acting skills. His characters made an impact.”

In a career spanning over four decades, Nana Patekar 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 his generation’s most respected performers.

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

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.