From 'Prahaar' to Kargil War: Nana Patekar’s unique lifelong connection with armed forces thanks to Belagavi

Mumbai: Belagavi ’s Junior Leaders Wing shares a unique relationship with Nana Patekar . Located adjacent to the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre, the JLW - as it is popularly known - trains commandos of the Indian Army .

In fact, before Nana finalised and directed the iconic 1991 action-drama film Prahaar: The Final Attack , he spent several days at the JLW training with the best officers and men of the Indian Army.

In the film Nana played Major Chauhan, a tough officer and instructor at JLW.

Prahaar ’s star cast included Madhuri Dixit, Dimple Kapadia, Makarand Deshpande and Gautam Joglekar.

This DH reporter visited the JLW twice during his career as a journalist, and several people told stories about how Nana excelled and presented a tough challenge to the young officers.

In the Ward Rooms at JLW and MLIRC, several officers recalled how tough Nana was physically and mentally.

General V K Singh (Retd), the former Chief of Army Staff and ex Minister of State for External Affairs, was posted at the JLW when the film was made and played a small role.

After Patekar’s demise, he recalled the professionalism of the legendary actor, who passed away in Goa, aged 75, following a heart attack.

“The news of Nana Patekar’s untimely passing away is deeply saddening. I have observed him closely during the filming of Prahaar He was not merely a remarkable actor, but a powerful presence. He worked hard to fit into the role given to him to act. His dedication , hard work and no nonsense approach ensure realism in the role acted .His contribution to Indian cinema and the memories he leaves behind will endure,” Gen Singh recalled.

45 minutes CPR could not save Nana Patekar: Why first few minutes matter the most during a cardiac arrest?

Nana had a special relationship of the armed forces and had served during the Kargil conflict in 1999.

“I wanted to serve the Indian Army during the Kargil conflict…when I approached top officers, they said civilians cannot do so. However, they told me that the Defence Minister can take a call. I approached George Fernandes, whom I knew well and he allowed. For two months I was there. I was 76 kg when I went and 56 kg when I came back. I was attached to the Quick Reaction Team,” Nana had said recently, however, declined to go into specifics.

During the conflict, Patekar was with troops for 60 days and travelled to places including Dras, Leh, Kupwara, Baramulla and Sopore.

Nana had played role of army man in several films - the other being Kohram (1999) where he plays Major Ajit Kadam, an undercover Indian Army intelligence officer pairing opposite Amitabh Bachchan.

Actor-filmmaker Kamal Hasan said, “An extraordinary artist and an even greater human being. The man was a force of nature, and he uplifted the lives of those around him. Beyond the screen, his work helping farmers in Maharashtra and his volunteer service during the Kargil War spoke volumes about his deep sense of duty. My deepest condolences to his family and his legions of fans.”

Lieutenant General K J S Dhillon (Retd) said, “Very sad to hear about the sudden demise of a dear friend Nana Patekar. You entertained generations, Sir.”