Nana Patekar and Shah Rukh Khan shared a bond that went beyond their professional relationship. After the veteran actor’s death, an old incident involving the two has resurfaced, recalling how Patekar came to Shah Rukh’s aid when the latter was arrested after an altercation with a journalist in the early 1990s.
At that time, Shah Rukh was still finding his feet in the film industry and had recently married Gauri Khan. This incident happened when he was working Never everAfter a magazine report linked her romantically with one of her co-stars.
Speaking at Tehelka’s Think 2012 event, Shah Rukh recalled how the report upset Gauri. He said he contacted the journalist responsible for the story and was told it was written as a joke. However, the explanation did little to calm him down, and he decided to confront those involved.
The actor carried a ceremonial weapon that was given to him by his father-in-law, an army officer, during his marriage. The confrontation escalated and Shah Rukh admitted that he had threatened people in the premises and injured a youth with a cooker.
Recalling his actions, the actor said, “I behaved very badly. I was put in jail. My father-in-law gave me a sword, as they do in Punjabi weddings. I took that sword to that journalist’s house,” he said, recalling the incident.
How Nana Patekar helped Shah Rukh Khan to come out of jail
The incident eventually led to the arrest of Shah Rukh, the police reaching the sets Never ever Before taking him to the police station. As he arrived after 6 pm, he could not get bail immediately.
Shahrukh also mentioned that he was allowed to make phone calls while in custody. Instead of contacting a lawyer or family member, he called the person he encountered and continued to threaten him.
“Now, I have even gone to jail for this. Now, when I come out and cut you,” he said, Shah Rukh revealed.
The actor finally decided to let the matter go, especially as the incident deeply disturbed Gauri. It was then that Nana Patekar stepped in to help secure his release.
Talking about the episode, Shah Rukh credited the veteran actor for helping him get out of jail. “Eventually Nana Patekar got me out of jail, and he was very nice. On a weekend, there’s an evening court that gives you bail or something. I tried to be good, and now I’m kind of changed.”
The two actors worked together in Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, directed by Aziz Mirza and released in 1992. During the early years of Shah Rukh’s career, their relationship eventually became a permanent relationship.
Nana Patekar on his bond with Shah Rukh Khan
Patekar also spoke about his equation with Shahrukh during a conversation with ‘The Lattop’. He recalled how the superstar continued to give him a warm welcome, even after years of working together.
“Even today we meet with great love. People forget, he does not forget. That child looks like a mother to me” said Nana.
The veteran actor was referring to Shahrukh’s love, showing him off. Patekar also recalled meeting the superstar at the International Film Festival of India in Goa, where Shah Rukh greeted him as warmly as ever.
Their relationship offers a glimpse into Shah Rukh’s early years in the film industry, when he was still establishing himself and navigating the pressures that came with sudden recognition. Patekar’s intervention during the difficult episode remains part of their shared history, while the actor’s later comments reflect the love he continues to have for Shah Rukh.
About Nana Patekar
Nana Patekar died of a heart attack at the age of 75 at his residence in Goa. In a career spanning several decades, he established himself as one of the most respected actors in Hindi and Marathi cinema, as well as theater and filmmaking.
His notable films include Parinda, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Ab Tak Chappan, Welcome And Natsmrat. Apart from his work in cinema, Patekar was also known for his involvement in social causes, particularly initiatives supporting farmers and drought-affected communities.