Nana Patekar was known for many things, from his intense performances, his work as a filmmaker, and his social initiatives to his unmistakable presence both on and off screen. But away from films, the veteran actor had another passion that brought him immense joy: cooking. In an old interview, the late actor described his love for cooking. Want to know more? Read on!
Nana Patekar Called Himself A Better Cook Than Actor
Nana Patekar, who passed away at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest, often spoke about his love for food and, more importantly, his love for feeding people. He would even say that he considered himself a better cook than an actor. In an old interview, Nana Patekar told The New Indian Express in 2015 that cooking is another passion he has and that he loves feeding people. He also revealed that he thinks he is a better cook than an actor.
Also Read: Actor Nana Patekar Passes Away At 75 At His Home In Goa; Bollywood Pays Tribute
His passion for cooking was not limited to preparing food for himself. In a previous conversation with The Lallantop, Patekar revealed that he could cook for as many as 200 people at once. He also had a habit of turning cooking on film sets into a group activity, involving actors and crew members in the process. Everyone, he explained, would be given a task, whether it was chopping vegetables, peeling ingredients or helping with the preparation. For Patekar, the joy seemed to lie as much in sharing the meal as in making it.
His specialities included hearty non-vegetarian dishes such as mutton paya, keema kaleji and bheja. He also revealed that he prepared his own spices at home, giving his cooking a personal touch.
Nana Patekar Used To Love Cooking
His colleagues and friends often spoke about the warmth with which Nana Patekar fed people. In a previously shared Instagram video, actor Rajpal Yadav praised Patekar’s cooking as the veteran actor handed him a plate of misal pav. “Ye aapke haath mein, ye mera pav,” Patekar quipped. As Yadav enjoyed the food, he highlighted the difference between simply preparing a meal and feeding someone with affection, saying, “Ek hota hai khaana banana, aur ek hota hai khaana khilana.”
Away from film sets, Patekar also found joy in growing his own food at his farmhouse near Sinhagad Fort in Pune. He cultivated vegetables, worked in his fields and looked after his buffaloes, embracing a simple routine away from the spotlight. He told the news portal that he has around 10 acres of land, and he used to plough his fields like a farmer.
His love for cooking, farming and feeding others offered a glimpse into the quieter side of the actor, one that found happiness in simple living, homegrown produce and sharing food with people around him.
Also Read: IndiGo Adds New Fuel Surcharge Of Up To ₹10,000 From October 6; Here’s What Flyers Should Know
We shall remember Nana Patekar as a brilliant actor and cook.
Cover Image Courtesy: Base Industries Group
FAQs
Was Nana Patekar in the army?
Nana Patekar was not a regular career soldier, but he holds an honorary military rank and spent significant time serving alongside troops in active conflict zones.
Who is Nana Patekar's son?
Nana Patekar's son is Malhar Patekar.
How did Nana Patekar die?
Veteran actor and filmmaker Nana Patekar died at the age of 75 on October 8, 2026, after suffering a cardiac arrest.
