Nana Patekar, born Vishwanath Patekar on January 1, 1951, is a renowned Indian actor, screenwriter, filmmaker, and former Indian Territorial Army officer. He is celebrated for his exceptional contributions to both Hindi and Marathi cinema, having received numerous accolades, including three National Film Awards, four Filmfare Awards, and two Filmfare Awards Marathi for his remarkable acting performances.
In 2013, he was honored with the Padma Shri award in recognition of his significant impact on Indian cinema and the arts. While Nana Patekar’s illustrious career in the film industry is well-documented, this article aims to shed light on his personal life, particularly his marriage to Neelakanti Patekar.
Neelakanti Patekar, affectionately known as Neelu, has her own story to tell, and this article explores her life, her relationship with Nana Patekar, and the lesser-known aspects of her journey.
Nana Patekar Early Career and Achievements
Before delving into the personal life of Nana Patekar and his wife, let’s briefly recap his remarkable career in the world of Indian cinema.
Beginnings in Bollywood
Nana Patekar embarked on his acting journey in Bollywood with the 1978 drama film “Gaman.” This marked the start of a career that would span decades and make him one of the most influential figures in Indian cinema.
Notable Roles and Awards
Patekar’s career includes several iconic roles in both Hindi and Marathi films. He achieved critical acclaim for his performances in movies like “Salaam Bombay” (1988), for which he was nominated for an Academy Award.
He won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Parinda” (1989) and the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. Patekar also gained recognition for his negative role in “Angaar” (1992).
Some of his other noteworthy roles include “Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman” (1992), for which he was nominated for a Filmfare Award, “Tirangaa” (1993), and “Krantiveer” (1994), for which he won the National Film Award for Best Actor and the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
Stay updated on these topics:
- The Story of Amitabh Bachchan: How High is India’s Legendary Actor??
- Nikhil Kamath Age: The Indian Entrepreneur Making Waves in Finance!!
Nana Patekar’s Personal Life
As we explore Nana Patekar’s personal life, we gain insight into the man behind the iconic roles and the fame. Both joy and tragedy have marked Nana Patekar’s journey.
Marriage to Neelakanti
Nana Patekar and his wife visited Golden Temple and also cleaned the kitchen dishes as a part of their Seva 🙏 pic.twitter.com/6LZcvwZQNV
— KadaK FM (@KadakFM) January 15, 2018
Nana Patekar tied the knot with Neelakanti at the age of 27. Their marriage, which took place in 1978, marked the beginning of a new chapter in both their lives. However, the road ahead was not without its challenges.
Tragedy Strikes
The loss of his first son marred Nana Patekar’s personal life. This tragedy brought immense sorrow to the family. In addition to this heartbreaking loss, Nana Patekar also faced the untimely death of his father due to a heart attack when Nana was just 28 years old.
Life Choices
In a remarkable turn of events, Nana Patekar, who was a chain smoker for many years, decided to quit smoking when he was 56. This decision was a significant step towards a healthier life.
In an interview, Nana Patekar shared that his father had a deep love for plays and encouraged him to watch them. It was this early exposure to the world of acting that ignited his passion for the craft. He fondly remembered that Vijaya Mehta directed his first play.
Nana Patekar currently resides in Andheri, Mumbai, in a modest 1BHK apartment. This choice of residence reflects his down-to-earth nature and simple lifestyle.
To the most spontaneous actor & great human being a very Happy Birthday Nana Patekar @nanagpatekar ! Throwback to the meet & greet with Nana and his son Malhar Patekar#HappyBirthdayNana pic.twitter.com/chv4CwvNVy
— Kishor Khabiya (Jain) (@kishorkhabiya) January 1, 2021
Explore the details for:
- Dhruv Rathee Wife: Meet His Beautiful Better Half!!
- Raj Kundra Age: How Old Is The British-Indian Entrepreneur?
Nana Patekar: Contribution to Indian Territorial Army
Nana Patekar’s commitment to his roles extended beyond the silver screen. In 1990, he was commissioned as an honorary Captain in the Indian Territorial Army. His dedication to preparing for his role in the movie “Prahaar: The Final Attack” led him to undergo a rigorous three-year training period.
During this time, he worked closely with General V. K. Singh, who held the rank of Colonel. Notably, General V. K. Singh later became the Chief of the Indian Army.
During the Kargil War in 1999, Nana Patekar extended his services to the Maratha Light Infantry regiment as an honorary Major. His commitment to both his acting career and his service to the Indian Army showcases his unwavering dedication and love for his country.
Neelakanti Patekar: Nana Patekar’s Wife
While Nana Patekar’s life and career have been in the spotlight, his wife, Neelakanti Patekar, has largely remained out of the public eye. Let’s learn more about her life, her relationship with Nana, and her own journey.
Early Life and Education
Neelakanti Patekar, affectionately known as Neelu, was born and brought up in Pune, Maharashtra, India. After completing her academic education, she pursued a career as a banker, where her monthly salary was Rs. 2500.
Meeting Nana Patekar
Neelu’s life took a unique turn when she first met Nana Patekar on the set of a Marathi film. Their connection, which began in the world of cinema, would eventually lead to their marriage. Notably, their wedding was a simple affair, with the total cost amounting to only Rs. 750.
Family Life
Nana and Neelakanti Patekar’s marriage resulted in the birth of two sons. Tragically, one of their sons passed away, bringing immense sorrow to the family.
While their marriage did not stand the test of time, Nana and Neelakanti have managed to maintain a healthy and amicable relationship despite their separation.
Keep an eye on these:
- Anushka Sharma’s Incredible Net Worth, Business Ventures, Homes, and Luxury Lifestyle!!
- Technical Guruji Net Worth Revealed: Tech Talk And Big Bucks!!
Neelakanti Patekar’s Career
Although not as prominent in the public eye as her husband, Neelakanti Patekar has had her own journey and career. She has appeared in the Marathi TV serial “Goth,” where she played the role of ‘Bayo Ajji’ in 2016.
Personal Interests
Neelakanti Patekar has several personal interests, including reading and practicing yoga. Her hobbies reflect a well-rounded and healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
Nana Patekar’s life and career are an inspiration to many, but the personal aspects of his life, including his marriage to Neelakanti Patekar, provide a deeper understanding of the man behind the iconic roles. Neelakanti’s own journey, from her career in banking to her acting in a Marathi TV serial, showcases her versatility and strength.
In the face of personal challenges and losses, Nana Patekar has demonstrated resilience and determination. His commitment to the Indian Territorial Army and his service during the Kargil War reflect his unwavering love for his country.
Together, Nana and Neelakanti Patekar have created a unique story of love, separation, and maintaining a respectful relationship. While both joy and sorrow have marked their individual paths, their resilience, and continued friendship serve as an example of navigating life’s ups and downs with grace and dignity.
