Mumbai, Jul 26: As the nation commemorates Kargil Vijay Diwas, paying tribute to the valour and sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the 1999 Kargil War, one name from the world of cinema stands out for an extraordinary act of patriotism Nana Patekar. Renowned for his intense on-screen portrayals, Patekar proved that heroism is not confined to celluloid by actively serving alongside soldiers during the war.
Beyond the silver screen:
Vishwanath Patekar, popularly known as Nana Patekar, is widely respected in both Hindi and Marathi cinema for his powerful performances in films such as Parinda, Prahaar, Angaar, Salaam Bombay!, and Tirangaa. Born in 1951, he made his cinematic debut with Gaman in 1978 and soon carved a niche for himself with his distinct style and voice. A three-time National Award winner, Patekar was a prominent figure in Indian cinema during the 90s, often celebrated for roles that depicted gritty realism over glamour.
Military training that left a mark:
During the filming of Prahaar (1991), a film where he portrayed an army officer, Patekar underwent rigorous military training. Reports suggest that he trained with the Maratha LightInfantry for nearly three years. This training was not merely a preparation for a role it transformed his worldview and ignited a deep respect for the Indian armed forces.
So, when the Kargil War broke out in 1999, Patekar was not content with offering symbolic support from afar. He wanted to be at the frontlines, in uniform, serving the nation.
Facing initial rejection:
Patekar’s initial request to join the Indian Army during wartime was met with reluctance by military officials. Despite highlighting his prior training and national-level shooting credentials, his appeal failed to gain approval.
A direct appeal to the defence minister
Unwilling to give up, Nana took the bold step of approaching the then Defence Minister, George Fernandes. Speaking on Kaun Banega Crorepati, Patekar recounted:
> “I knew our Defence Minister George Fernandes ji, so I called him. Even he said it is impossible. I told him that even though the training for commission is six months, I trained for three years. He was surprised and asked me about it. After learning of my experience with the Maratha Light Infantry, he asked me, ‘When do you want to go?’”
With Fernandes's intervention, Patekar’s long-standing wish was fulfilled.
Serving with honour:
In August 1999, Nana Patekar was inducted into the Indian Army as an honorary captain. He was posted to conflict-prone zones including Dras, Kupwara, Baramulla, Sopore, and Mughalpura. Donning the Indian Army uniform, Patekar lived the life of a real soldier patrolling the Line of Control (LoC), manning guard duties, and even assisting in military hospitals.
Unlike celebrity visits that are often symbolic, Nana immersed himself in the life of a soldier. He lost 20 kilograms during his deployment, a stark testament to the harsh conditions and his unwavering commitment.
A changed man returns:
After completing his service, Patekar returned to the world of films with renewed depth and experience. His subsequent performances continued to captivate audiences, now enriched by a real-life connection to the patriotism and discipline he had once portrayed on screen.
A legacy of real heroism:
In a film industry often known for its fictional tales of courage, Nana Patekar’s story stands out as a rare example of life imitating art. On this Kargil Vijay Diwas, as India salutes its soldiers, it is fitting to also remember an actor who chose to walk among them not as a star, but as a soldier of the soil.
