Anupam Kher Remembers Nana Patekar After Actor’s Death: ‘I Will Miss You, My Friend’

Actor Anupam Kher has paid an emotional tribute to his longtime friend and fellow actor Nana Patekar following his death, recalling the difficulty of learning about the loss while he was still on a professional commitment.

In a heartfelt message, Kher revealed that he received the news shortly after completing a performance. He said he had just taken his curtain call when his director, Gajendra, approached him backstage and told him that Patekar had died.

NANA PATEKAR THE GREATEST???A couple of hours ago, I received the heartbreaking news that my friend Nana Patekar, one of the finest actors and human beings in Indian cinema, is no more.??? I had just finished our performance and taken the curtain call. As I walked into the wings, my director Gajendra told me, “Nana is no more.”? After that, I had to meet people, pose for photographs, smile, sit down for a meal… while trying to absorb what I had just heard. It was terribly difficult. But somewhere, I felt that Nana would have wanted me to finish my work. Fulfil my responsibility to the people who had come to see us. And then, perhaps, remember him. Actually, knowing him, I can almost hear him dismissing the very idea of a tribute: “???, ?? ???? ?? ???? ?? ??? ?? ???-?? ???? ??? ??? ??? ???? ???!” That was Nana. Direct, unpretentious, with his own way of saying even the most difficult things.???? I will miss you, my friend. Your warmth. Your hugs. Your extraordinary performances. And whenever I miss seeing you, I will watch your films. Though today, I wish I could simply hug you one more time. My love and deepest condolences to your family and to everyone who loved you. ?????? ???? ?????, ???? ??????? ???? ???? ?????? ?? #NanaPatekar #HeartBreaking

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) October 8, 2026

The news left Kher struggling to process his emotions even as he continued with the evening’s scheduled responsibilities. He recalled having to meet people, pose for photographs and sit down for a meal despite having just learned about his friend’s death.

Kher said he ultimately felt that Patekar would have expected him to complete his work and honour his commitment to the audience who had come to watch the performance.

Remembering Patekar’s personality, Kher also imagined how his friend might have reacted to the idea of a formal tribute. He described the late actor as someone who was straightforward and unaffected, often addressing difficult subjects without unnecessary sentimentality.  "Actually, knowing him, I can almost hear him dismissing the very idea of a tribute: 'Arey, To Kya Ho Gaya? Mar Gaya To Kaun-Si Badi Baat Hai? Sabhi Marte Hain'” he said.

Kher spoke fondly of the personal bond they shared, saying he would miss Patekar’s warmth, hugs and performances. He added that watching the actor’s films would be one way of remembering him, although he wished he could have one more opportunity to embrace his friend.

The tribute ended with Kher offering his condolences to Patekar’s family and those who were close to him. He described the late actor not only as an accomplished performer but also as a friend whose absence would be deeply felt.

Patekar’s death has prompted tributes from across the film industry, with colleagues and admirers remembering his decades-long contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema. Known for his distinctive voice, intense performances and versatility, he leaves behind a body of work spanning several generations of Indian audiences.