Veteran actor Nana Patekar, who died on Thursday at the age of 75, was known for his outspoken views on issues other than cinema. He rarely refrained from expressing his opinion, especially when it came to politics and public life.
In a 2015 group interview with Business Guide MagazineMade before the release of his film 2 so far, Nana frankly said if he would ever think of joining politics.
Nana was quick to dismiss the idea. He explained that being an actor already gives him a platform to speak about issues, while joining a political party puts restrictions on what he can say.
“No, what is the need? Acting in films and commenting on issues is like active politics because cinema is a very good medium. In proper politics, I will not be allowed to say what I feel. I have to stay within the party’s fixed parameters, which I cannot do. If I say anything bad to the party chief, they will throw me out.”
Nana then said that a politician could be forced to defend a clearly wrongdoing if it involved someone from his own party.
“Suppose someone from my party eats cow dung or does something wrong, then I have to say in front of the media that it was not cow dung, it was Shrikhand. I personally feel that an actor should never contest an election.”
The actor also spoke about his reputation for being tough and said he was careful about his words before he spoke. “They are fools who think after they speak. The wise think before they speak. I always know what I am talking about.”
Nana’s views on politics also stemmed from his personal experiences with political leaders. During the interview, he recalled his equation with Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, whom he described as like a father to him.
“Bala Sahib Thackeray was like my father. Once when I did not like one of his statements, I told him clearly that it was not right. People thought I would be beaten up. But nothing like that happened. The purpose and intention behind your statement should be clear.”
Nana Patekar died of a heart attack at his home in Goa. He was 75 years old. His last rites will be performed at his farmhouse in Pune with full state honours.
Also Read: ‘I will always be a village man’: Nana Patekar tells Amitabh Bachchan about life away from Bollywood