From Vishwanath to Nana: How Vishwanath Patekar Became ‘Nana’

Nana Patekar was born Vishwanath Patekar, but Indian cinema came to know him by the name ‘Nana’.

Over the decades, that name became closely associated with an actor known for his intense performances, distinctive dialogue delivery and ability to move effortlessly between serious, powerful characters and comedy.

His journey to becoming Nana Patekar, however, began long before he became a familiar face on the big screen.

Sponsored · Why this ad?

What's on, and what's next

Upcoming Nepali films with BS and AD dates, plus the stars behind them.

Learn more

From Vishwanath to Nana

Born Vishwanath Patekar in Maharashtra’s Raigad district, he entered the world of theatre before establishing himself in cinema.

The name Nana gradually became the identity by which audiences knew him, while his professional career developed through years of theatre work and struggle.

Unlike many actors who entered the industry through an immediate breakthrough, Patekar spent years building his craft before becoming one of the most respected performers in Hindi and Marathi cinema.

His unusual connection with the Indian Army

Patekar also developed a strong connection with the Indian Army, something that became particularly visible through his work on Prahaar: The Final Attack.

Released in 1991, the film marked his directorial debut. He also played Major Pratap Chauhan, the central character.

To make the military role convincing, Patekar underwent military training for the film. The experience added another dimension to his portrayal of a soldier and reflected his longstanding respect for the armed forces.

His connection with the Army was not simply a feature of his acting career. It became one of the more distinctive aspects of his public life.

A ₹750 wedding

Patekar married Neelakanti Patekar in 1978.

Before their marriage, Neelakanti was involved in theatre and also worked as a bank officer. Patekar later recalled that she earned around ₹2,500 a month at the time, while he was paid only ₹50 for a theatre performance.

Their financial circumstances were modest, but the couple chose to keep their wedding extremely simple.

According to Patekar's own account, they spent just ₹750 on the wedding. After the ceremony, some money was reportedly left over, which they used to buy drinks for their guests.

The story offers a glimpse into the financial reality of Patekar's early years, long before he became a major name in Indian cinema.

From theatre to the big screen

Patekar's acting career began in theatre, where he spent years developing his skills before moving into films.

His film journey began with Gaman in 1978. He subsequently appeared in films including Parinda, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Tirangaa, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan and Welcome.

What distinguished him was not simply the range of roles he played, but the intensity with which he approached them.

His voice, facial expressions and distinctive delivery gave his characters a presence that often remained with audiences long after a film ended.

He could portray a hardened police officer, a soldier, a troubled man or a comic character without losing the individual quality that became his trademark.

The pain of losing his first son

Behind Patekar's successful career was also a deeply painful personal loss.

He and Neelakanti lost their first son, Durvasa, when he was around two years old after an illness.

The death was a devastating experience for the family. Their younger son, Malhar Patekar, was born later.

Malhar chose a different path within cinema. Rather than following his father into acting, he became involved in filmmaking, including work as an assistant director.

Like his father, he has largely maintained a relatively private life away from constant media attention.

A career built on persistence

Nana Patekar's transformation from Vishwanath Patekar into one of Indian cinema's most recognisable actors was not an overnight success.

It was shaped by theatre, financial hardship, unconventional choices and years of work.

The ₹750 wedding, his early theatre earnings, military training for Prahaar and the personal tragedy he experienced all form part of the story behind the actor audiences eventually came to know as Nana.

His name became famous on screen, but the journey behind it was rooted in a much less glamorous world one of struggle, discipline, theatre and persistence.