Marathi actor and filmmaker Pravin Tarde has expressed disappointment over the absence of several prominent Bollywood celebrities at the funeral of veteran actor Nana Patekar. His remarks have reignited a discussion about friendship, respect and the relationship between the film industry and one of its most respected performers.
Nana Patekar died on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75. His final rites were held with full state honours at his farmhouse in Donje village near Pune later that night. Family members, political leaders, colleagues and admirers gathered to pay their final respects.
However, the reported absence of several major Hindi film stars caught Tarde’s attention. Speaking about the issue, the filmmaker said that people who considered Nana a friend should have made an effort to attend his final farewell.
According to reports, Tarde also made a pointed remark about the status of Bollywood in comparison with Nana, emphasising that the absence of industry personalities did not diminish the late actor’s stature.
‘Bollywood Is Not Bigger Than Nana Patekar’
Pravin Tarde’s strongest criticism centred on his belief that Nana Patekar’s contribution and personal stature went beyond the glamour associated with the Hindi film industry.
He reportedly said that Bollywood was not bigger than Nana and that the actor was a great human being. Tarde made it clear that the absence of celebrities from the funeral could not take away from Nana’s achievements or the respect he commanded.
His remarks reflected his disappointment with what he viewed as a lack of solidarity from some members of the industry. For Tarde, attending the final rites of a colleague was not merely a public appearance but an opportunity to acknowledge a long professional journey and personal relationships.
The filmmaker also questioned why prominent personalities often appear at the funerals of people with comparatively smaller profiles but were not present in large numbers for Nana’s farewell.
His comments have drawn attention to the contrast between the public image of celebrity friendships and the expectations people have when a respected colleague passes away.
Pravin Tarde Says Nana’s Friends Should Have Attended
Tarde’s criticism was particularly directed at those who had considered Nana Patekar a friend. He reportedly said that at least the people whom Nana himself regarded as friends should have attended the funeral.
The statement placed the emphasis on personal relationships rather than professional obligations. In the entertainment industry, actors and filmmakers often work together over several decades, forming bonds that extend beyond film sets. Tarde’s remarks suggested that such relationships should also be acknowledged during moments of loss.
At the same time, the absence of a celebrity from a funeral does not necessarily establish the nature of their relationship with the deceased. Scheduling constraints, private circumstances and family considerations may also affect attendance, and not every reason is publicly known.
Nevertheless, Tarde’s comments have raised a broader question about how the film fraternity demonstrates support when one of its senior members passes away.
Jackie Shroff and Other Personalities Attend Nana Patekar’s Last Rites
Although several prominent Bollywood names were reportedly missing, Nana Patekar’s funeral was attended by a number of film-industry figures and political leaders.
Actor Jackie Shroff was among the celebrities who came to pay their respects. Filmmakers and industry colleagues, including Pravin Tarde, Sajid Nadiadwala and Anil Sharma, were also reported to have attended the final rites.
Political figures present included Maharashtra Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, along with other state and Union government representatives.
The ceremony took place at Nana’s farmhouse in Donje, near Pune, and was conducted with full state honours. His son, Malhar Patekar, performed the final rites.
The gathering included not only film personalities and political leaders but also admirers who wanted to pay their last respects to the veteran actor. Reports described a large public turnout, reflecting his popularity beyond the film industry.
Why Nana Patekar Had a Special Connection With Farmers
Pravin Tarde’s comments also highlighted Nana Patekar’s connection with farmers and rural communities. Beyond his acting career, Nana was associated with social initiatives aimed at helping people affected by drought and agricultural distress.
Through his association with the NAAM Foundation, which he co-founded with actor Makarand Anaspure, Nana supported efforts related to water conservation and rural development.
His work outside cinema helped build an image that was different from the conventional celebrity lifestyle. He was known for maintaining a close connection with Maharashtra and for speaking about issues affecting farmers.
Tarde reportedly contrasted the attendance of farmers at Nana’s funeral with the absence of several Bollywood stars. He also argued that an ordinary farmer could deserve greater respect than a glamorous film hero, underscoring his belief that a person’s value should not be measured by celebrity status alone.
Nana Patekar’s Legacy Goes Beyond Bollywood
Nana Patekar built a remarkable career through performances in films such as Parinda, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Ab Tak Chhappan, Raajneeti and Natsamrat. His work across Hindi and Marathi cinema earned him critical recognition and a lasting place in Indian film history.
His funeral and the reactions that followed have also highlighted the different communities connected to his life: film colleagues, political representatives, farmers and ordinary admirers.
Pravin Tarde’s remarks have added a pointed debate about how the film industry remembers its veterans. While celebrity attendance alone cannot measure the depth of a relationship, Tarde’s message was clear: Nana Patekar’s contribution and stature should not be judged by the number of stars who attended his funeral.
The discussion has since become part of the wider public response to the actor’s death, drawing attention to both his cinematic legacy and his relationships beyond the screen.
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