Veteran actor Nana Patekar dies at 75 at his home in Goa
The film industry is in shock at the death of the actor, remembered also for friendships such as the one with Ashok Saraf, whom he once pulled out of an angry crowd.
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The death of veteran actor Nana Patekar has come as a major shock to the entire film industry. He breathed his last at his home in Goa at the age of 75. Patekar is remembered for his powerful acting, and many stories of his friendships have also remained in circulation. One such episode involves veteran actor Ashok Saraf, and it is being recalled again after Patekar's death.
The friendship of Nana Patekar and Ashok Saraf was especially well known in both the Marathi and Hindi film industries. Both began their careers in theatre. Saraf stood by Patekar during his days of struggle. On one occasion, Patekar saved Saraf's life and acted like a guardian angel for him.
Saraf himself recounted the incident in an interview. It happened during a show of the well-known Marathi play 'Hamidabaichi Kothi'.
The show was in progress when a technical fault suddenly occurred, and the show had to be cancelled. As soon as it was called off, anger flared among the audience. The situation gradually slipped out of control, and the angry crowd began attacking the artistes.
The sudden commotion spread fear among the artistes as well. Patekar kept his presence of mind and decided to take Saraf to a safe place.
According to Saraf, Patekar got him out safely in the dark amid the commotion. Patekar pulled him into an autorickshaw and took him to a safe place away from the crowd. Saraf said it was because of the courage Patekar showed at that moment that his life was saved. While telling the story, Saraf had expressed his gratitude to Patekar.
Saraf had said that if Patekar had not rushed to help at that time, the situation could have become very serious. Patekar brought him out from the middle of the angry crowd and delivered him to safety. He said he did not know what would have happened to him had Patekar not been there.
In that difficult hour, Patekar thus proved a true guardian angel for Saraf. Their friendship was not limited to the screen or the stage, but was one of standing firmly by each other in times of trouble. After Patekar's death, the old episode is being talked about again, and many people are recalling the bond between the two.
