Nana Patekar died at 75 after a cardiac arrest, leaving behind a career defined by powerful performances. But away from the screen, the actor had an extraordinary military chapter: after training with the Maratha Light Infantry for the Bollywood film ‘Prahaar’, he joined Indian Army troops during the 1999 Kargil War and spent nearly 60 days with them
Veteran actor Nana Patekar, who built a reputation for his intense performances in Hindi and Marathi cinema, died on Thursday, October 8, at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa. Patekar was found unconscious at his home and was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors were unable to revive him despite prolonged CPR.
But beyond the films and characters that made him one of Indian cinema’s most recognisable actors, Patekar had another, far less publicised chapter in his life. During the 1999 Kargil War, he obtained permission to serve alongside Indian Army personnel and spent about two months with troops in the conflict zone.
His connection with the military had begun years before Kargil, when he trained with the Maratha Light Infantry for his 1991 film Prahaar: The Final Attack.
According to Mathrubhumi , Patekar’s preparation for Prahaar went far beyond what a film role normally requires. He underwent three years of military training with the Maratha Light Infantry while preparing to portray an Army commando.
The training exposed Patekar to military drills, weapons, and field conditions. His association with the armed forces later continued beyond the film.
Patekar formally joined the Indian Territorial Army in 1990. His military training later helped him go directly to the Kargil conflict nearly a decade later.
By the time the war broke out in 1999, Patekar was already an established actor. Yet he wanted to go beyond expressing support for soldiers and sought permission to accompany them.
Patekar recalled his efforts to join the Army in KBC. He said that he approached then Defence Minister George Fernandes after his request to join the troops was initially met with reluctance. Patekar argued that he already had military training and experience with firearms.
Recalling the conversation, Patekar said, “I am a good shooter. I have competed at the national level in rifle shooting,” he said during an intereviw with conversation with The Lallantop.
Patekar also told Fernandes that he had completed a commando course and had represented India at national-level rifle shooting, where he had won a bronze medal.
According to Patekar’s recollection, Fernandes eventually asked him when he wanted to leave. When the actor said he was ready, he was told to leave that day. He then went on to spend nearly 60 days with Army personnel during the Kargil conflict.
Patekar travelled through several locations during his stint with the Army, including Dras, Leh, Kupwara, Baramulla and Sopore. He also spent time helping at a military hospital and supporting soldiers at a base.
Patekar, however, did not share any details about what he actually did during his time with the troops.
When asked about the nature of his duties in the 2024 interview, he replied, “Don't ask me now.”
He eventually became part of a Quick Reaction Team, or QRT. “Eventually, I became a member of QRT, Quick Reaction Team,” he said.
The physical demands of the deployment were reflected in a dramatic change in Patekar’s weight. He recalled that he had weighed 76 kg when he went to the conflict zone. By the time he returned, he weighed 56 kg.
“I was 76 kg, came back at 56 kg,” he said.
Patekar did not describe the experience as something to be celebrated as a personal achievement. Instead, he presented his decision to go to Kargil as a small contribution he believed he could make.
“I felt happy. I could at least do this little bit for the country,” he said. Patekar summed up his experience and said, “Itna toh kar sakte hain desh ke liye.”
He had played soldiers and Army officers on screen, but his Kargil experience took him beyond a film set and into a real conflict.
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