Shah Rukh Khan pays tribute to Nana Patekar

Shah Rukh Khan paid tribute to Nana Patekar on social media after reports of the veteran actor’s death on October 8, remembering him as a mentor, teacher, critic and friend and recalling advice about valuing acting over stardom. Khan described their first meeting, saying he was nervous and fiddling with his hair when Patekar stopped him and told him not to style himself like a hero because he was an actor. Khan said Patekar did not flatter people or say what they wanted to hear, but told them what they needed to hear. The tribute, shared on October 8, also recalled Patekar’s blunt manner and the affection Khan said lay behind it. He wrote that Patekar might shout at someone before making his care apparent. Khan said he loved Patekar and that the feeling was mutual. Khan remembered their carrom games, saying Patekar regularly beat him and relished the wins. He regretted that they would not have more conversations, arguments, cups of tea or another game together. He said Patekar’s intensity, laughter and love would stay with him, and that he would carry the actor’s words in his heart.