Meet actor who painted zebra crossings at 11, served in Kargil War, smoked 60 cigarettes a day, worked with Shah Rukh Khan and is now a big name in Bollywood

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Originally starting from simple roots, this actor’s path has been nothing less than astonishing. From painting zebra crossings at the age of 11 to abandoning his successful film career to participate in the Kargil War, his life has demonstrated an impressive amount of strength and determination. Despite facing personal tragedies, he once smoked up to 60 cigarettes per day following his son’s demise. Over time, he worked alongside legends such as Rishi Kapoor in Hum Dono and collaborated with Shah Rukh Khan in Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman and Shakti: The Power. Today, he is widely respected as a legendary figure in Indian cinema. Can you identify who this individual might be?

If you haven’t figured it out yet, the person is none other than Nana Patekar. His life story is marked by grit, skill, and a strong bond with his origins. Originating from a farming family in Murud-Janjira, which is now part of Raigad district in Maharashtra, his road to stardom was far from smooth.

Prior to his rise as a renowned actor, Nana once earned a living by painting zebra crossings on roads and even labored in a stone quarry from the age of 11. On Kaun Banega Crorepati 16, he shared, “We were paid Rs 15 for each zebra crossing we painted. The true reward was not having to beg for money. I took any job offered to me. My daily spending money was just 25 paise, yet I managed to survive with that amount. Despite these hardships, I refused to let my circumstances dictate who I was.

The acting career of Vanvaas in Bollywood started back in 1978 with the film “Gaman,” where he took on a villainous character. But it was the unexpected success of “Ankush” (released in 1986) that truly propelled him into the spotlight, highlighting his exceptional intensity and acting skills.

Over time, he amassed a remarkable collection of films, both critically praised and financially successful titles such as Parinda, Krantiveer, Tirangaa, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi, and Bhoot. His powerful acting won him the National Award for Best Supporting Actor in Agni Sakshi, reinforcing his standing within the industry.

Regardless of his achievements in the acting world, this individual maintains a strong bond with his modest way of life. In fact, when not engrossed in film projects, he can be found tending to his farmland, growing fruits and grains. Interestingly, his career has yielded substantial wealth, with an approximate net worth of Rs 80 crore as of 2024, predominantly derived from films and endorsements.

Behind the fame, Nana Patekar has endured profound personal hardships. In a conversation with The Lallantop, he revealed that his firstborn son, Durvasa, was born with vision problems. At first, he grappled with societal prejudices about his child’s condition, but later came to understand the value of empathy over external criticism. Heartbreakingly, he lost his son after only two and a half years, an event that left him in shock.

In the midst of tough times, he found himself hooked on smoking, puffing as many as 60 cigarettes a day. However, it was his sister’s heart-wrenching exclamation upon witnessing him cough that prompted him to quit smoking immediately. Recognizing the repercussions of his actions, he decided to break free from the habit on the very same day.

Notably, Nana is among a select group of Bollywood actors who chose to put his career on hold to serve the country. His devotion to the Indian Army can be traced back to the early 1990s during his filming for Prahaar: The Final Attack. He spent three years training with the Maratha Light Infantry, thus acquiring practical military knowledge.

In 1999, during the outbreak of the Kargil War, he made up his mind to offer assistance. On the 16th season of Kaun Banega Crorepati, he disclosed that at first, his offer was refused, but he managed to gain the attention of Defense Minister George Fernandes, who granted approval after learning about his earlier military training.

After that, Grandpa worked tirelessly for more than two weeks right on the battlefield, helping soldiers and treating patients at a field hospital. The harsh environment significantly impacted him, causing him to shed approximately 44 pounds while serving in Kargil.

After facing those challenges, he restarted his acting career later on, consistently delivering impactful performances. His recent role was in Anil Sharma’s film, Vanvaas.

Nana Patekar, who started out modestly as an actor, has risen to become a revered figure on the national stage. His life story serves as proof of determination, skill, and indomitable willpower.

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2025-03-06 18:07