Smriti Irani Remembers Nana Patekar With Emotional Tribute, Recalls His Fish Fry and Last Pune Invite

The death of veteran actor Nana Patekar has prompted emotional tributes from colleagues, friends and admirers across the country. Among those remembering the actor is Smriti Irani, who shared a deeply personal account of their friendship along with a video capturing one of their memorable moments together.

Irani remembered Patekar not simply as one of Indian cinema’s most respected performers, but as someone she affectionately addressed as “Dada.” Her tribute highlighted the informal and warm relationship they shared away from the public spotlight.

One particular memory stood out: Patekar preparing fish fry for her himself. The moment, captured in the video shared by Irani, offered a glimpse of the actor’s more personal side and the affection he showed toward people close to him.

According to Irani’s recollection, their relationship was marked by spontaneous conversations rather than formal exchanges. She remembered receiving unexpected calls from Patekar, including his familiar way of checking where she was. She also recalled occasionally connecting him with young people who admired his work. Despite his reputation for having a tough and straightforward personality, he would make time for such conversations.

The significance of those memories has become even greater following Patekar’s death. Irani noted that she and Patekar had rarely taken photographs together. At the time, there had been no reason to imagine that such pictures would eventually become treasured reminders of their friendship.

The most painful part of her tribute was her recollection of their final conversation. Patekar had asked her when she would come to Pune. Irani said she would visit soon. Looking back after his death, she expressed regret that the meeting never happened.

Patekar died on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75. He was reportedly at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa, when he experienced health problems during the early hours of the morning. Reports said he contacted a friend after experiencing discomfort, but help arrived only after some time.

He was subsequently taken to Manipal Hospital, where medical staff attempted to revive him. He was later declared dead.

News of his passing has triggered widespread mourning because of his decades-long contribution to Indian cinema. Known for his powerful performances and distinctive screen presence, Patekar built a career spanning acting, directing and other aspects of filmmaking.

For Irani, however, his legacy is also connected to much smaller and more personal memories. The image of him preparing food, his spontaneous phone calls and his invitation to meet in Pune now carry a different emotional weight.

Her tribute has therefore offered fans a glimpse beyond the celebrated actor and into the person remembered by those who knew him closely. For many, the memories shared by people like Irani are becoming an important part of the farewell to a performer whose career left a lasting mark on Indian cinema.