Pravin Tarde has expressed disappointment over the absence of several Bollywood celebrities at Nana Patekar’s funeral in PuneThe Marathi filmmaker also spoke about the actor’s close connection with farmers and ordinary people
Published: October 12, 2026, 8:15 AM IST
Share Article
https://www.india.com/entertainment/bollywood/pravin-tarde-slams-bollywood-for-skipping-nana-patekar-funeral-in-pune-8535181/
Pravin Tarde slams Bollywood’s absence from Nana Patekar’s funeral (PC: Instagram)
The passing of a veteran actor often brings the film industry together to remember the person behind the memorable performancesBut Nana Patekar’s funeral has sparked a different conversation, with Marathi actor and filmmaker Pravin Tarde questioning the limited presence of Bollywood celebrities at the veteran star’s final ritesFor Tarde, the gathering was about more than the loss of a respected actor; it was also a reflection of the people who stood by him throughout his lifeWhile several people gathered in Pune to pay their last respects, the presence of farmers stood outTarde believes their attendance said a great deal about the kind of person Patekar was beyond cinemaHis remarks have now drawn attention to the actor’s bond with rural communities and the expectations surrounding a colleague’s final farewell
Pravin Tarde slams Bollywood’s absence from Nana Patekar’s funeral
In an interview with ABP Majha’s programme Coffee with Kaushik, Tarde said he was disappointed that more people from Bollywood did not attend Patekar’s funeralHe felt that those who considered the late actor a friend should have been present to pay their final respects
Read more:
Deool Band 2 director REACTS to backlash over Shah Rukh Khan’s support, says: ‘The efforts behind…’
Tarde also acknowledged that the absence of film industry personalities did not take away from Patekar’s statureHe pointed out that the actor had earned respect far beyond the film industry
Pravin Tarde said, “If you ask whether I have a complaint, then yes, I doBollywood people should have attended the funeralAt the very least, those whom Nana called his friends should have been thereJackie Shroff and Suresh Wadkar attended.”
“When a small-time actor dies in Mumbai, people line up wearing white clothesBut when it came to Nana… Anyway, the farmers were there, and we were there too,” he added.
He also mentioned Jackie Shroff and singer Suresh Wadkar among those who attended the funeralApart them Anees Bazmee, Mehul Kumar, Sajid Nadiadwala, Prasad Oak, Makarand Anaspure, singer Rahul Deshpande also attended Nana Patekar’s funeral. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was also present at the funeral.
‘A few thousand farmers attended’: Pravin Tarde praises farmers who attended Nana Patekar’s funera
One of Pravin Tarde observations was about the farmers who gathered to bid farewell to PatekarHe said thousands of farmers attended the funeral procession, reflecting the actor’s connection with people outside the film industry.
Tarde compared their presence with that of celebrities and stressed that Patekar’s greatness could not be measured by how many Bollywood stars attended his last rites.
He said, “The fact that Bollywood people did not attend the funeral does not diminish Nana’s greatnessBollywood is not bigger than NanaNana was a very great manA few thousand farmers attended Nana’s funeral processionThey smelled of sweat and soilThat farmer is more important than anyone in Bollywood wearing perfume.”
“In my opinion, a farmer who came from Dhule is much greater than Bollywood heroesIt makes no difference to usWhen did Nana ever say that he belonged to Bollywood? Nana always used to say that he was a farmer,” he added
He also highlighted Patekar’s identity as a farmer, explaining that the actor did not see himself only through the lens of cinemaHis work with rural communities and his association with farmers were important parts of his life
Nana Patekar dies at 75
Nana Patekar died on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75 after suffering a severe cardiac arrest in GoaHis mortal remains were brought to his farmhouse in Donje village in Maharashtra’s Pune district, where his last rites were performed late that night with full state honours
Patekar leaves behind a long career in Hindi and Marathi cinema, with acclaimed performances in films such as Parinda, Krantiveer, Ab Tak Chhappan, Agni Sakshi, Raajneeti, Welcome, and O’RomeoBeyond acting, he was also known for his social work and efforts to support farmers through the Naam Foundation.
