Why Nana Patekar, who played at Shivaji Park, gave up cricket

Actor Nana Patekar died early today. Working in the glitz of lights, camera and action, the actor was known, and admired, for his simplicity.

Though he worked in a world of suits, Patekar was a favourite of many for the gamchha around his neck and the khadi kurta-pyjama he wore. Another thing that set him apart from other actors was his delivery of dialogue.

Many may not know that Patekar, who built a distinct identity in films, also played cricket. He played on the same ground in Mumbai where Sunil Gavaskar played. So what made him give up the game?

Patekar had said in an interview that he played at Mumbai's famous Shivaji Park when he was 13. He played a great deal of cricket as a boy and later got to share a ground with players who went on to represent the country.

Shivaji Park in Mumbai has been home to many of the country's great cricketers, and such players also came to play there while Patekar was playing.

In the same interview, Patekar said that Sandeep Patil, who was much younger than him, played in front of him when he played. He also said that Gavaskar had played on the same ground on which he played.

Since all seemed to be going well in cricket, one wonders why Patekar quit the game. He explained the reason in his interview. He said he had injured his finger and had to give up cricket because of it.

However, that was not the only reason. Patekar had to work to support his parents, and that is why he decided to quit cricket.

After leaving cricket, he later took admission in an art college and entered the film industry.

In short, the boy who played cricket at Shivaji Park was kept away from the ground by two things: a finger injury and the work he had to do to support his parents. His journey afterwards led from art college to the film industry, where he created a distinct identity of his own.