Nana Patekar recently shared insights about his experience working with esteemed colleagues Rajinikanth and Pankaj Tripathi in the 2018 Tamil film “Kaala.” Speaking to News18, he humorously recounted his surprise upon seeing Pankaj take a minor role in the film and expressed his disappointment at the choice.
During the conversation, Nana related how he confronted Pankaj, who portrayed a police officer with a brief appearance. Nana recalled, “I saw him and asked, ‘Pankaj, what are you doing here?’” Pankaj explained that the opportunity to collaborate with established actors like Nana and Rajinikanth motivated his decision, yet Nana insisted that Pankaj should not underestimate his own stature in the industry.
Nana’s playful admonition didn’t stop there. He remarked, “You are a very big actor. You won’t become big by working with us — you are already big. If you ever take such roles again, I’ll beat you.” This exchange highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect shared among these talented actors.
“Kaala,” directed by Pa. Ranjith and produced by Wunderbar Films, is an action drama that features a strong ensemble cast. Alongside Rajinikanth as the titular character, Karikaalan ‘Kaala’ Vengaiyan, and Nana as the antagonist politician Haridev Abhyankar, the film includes performances by Eswari Rao, Huma Qureshi, and several others. Pankaj’s role as the corrupt SI Pankaj Patil provided a critical layer to the narrative.
In terms of recent projects, Nana Patekar continues to remain active in the film industry. He recently appeared in “O Romeo,” directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, which boasts a notable cast including Shahid Kapoor and Tamannaah Bhatia. Moreover, he made a cameo in Anil Kapoor’s “Subedaar,” showcasing his versatility.
Additionally, Nana has been part of the socio-political drama series “Sankalp,” available on Amazon MX Player. Directed by Prakash Jha, this series features an impressive lineup, including Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Kubbra Sait, further cementing Nana’s status as a prominent figure in contemporary Indian cinema.