Nagpur: Artists, theatre enthusiasts and admirers gathered at Dr Girish Gandhi Auditorium on Sunday to celebrate veteran actor Nana Patekar’s contribution to Marathi theatre and Hindi cinema, recalling his memorable performances and the lasting impression he made on audiences.Organised by Nagpur Kalakar Katta, the gathering was arranged by celebrity chef Vishnu Manohar. Shrikrishna Chandak presided over the programme, while Marathi film actor Devendra Dodke attended as the chief guest.Speaking on the occasion, Manohar said Nana Patekar had established himself as a towering figure in the Hindi film industry, earning recognition for his distinctive acting style and powerful screen presence despite his Marathi roots. He highlighted the actor’s contribution to Indian cinema and his ability to leave a lasting impression on audiences.Mohammed Salim recalled watching Patekar’s play ‘Purush’ when he was just 14 years old. The performance left a profound impression on him, turning him into a lifelong admirer of the actor. Salim said the experience had an everlasting impact on his life and remained one of his most cherished memories of Patekar’s artistry.Salim also took the audience down memory lane by recalling some of Patekar’s iconic dialogues from films and plays. The familiar lines evoked memories of the actor’s intense delivery, distinctive mannerisms and powerful portrayals of complex characters.Other participants shared memories of their first encounters with Patekar’s work, whether through theatre, films or personal interactions. They recalled the performances and anecdotes that had stayed with them over the years, highlighting his enduring influence on artists and audiences.
