Ajay Devgn has joined members of the film fraternity in mourning the death of veteran actor Nana Patekar. Devgn shared a heartfelt note on social media to remember his Apaharan co-star, posting a picture from the Prakash Jha directorial along with his tribute.
Ajay Devgn's Emotional Tribute to Nana Patekar
Sharing the throwback image from Apaharan, Ajay Devgn reflected on the impact Nana Patekar had through his performances over the years. He highlighted how Patekar could evoke a wide range of emotions on screen and remembered the powerful presence he brought to his roles.
Devgn wrote in his note:
"Not many made us happy, sad and feel anger quite the way Nana did. His presence was powerful, his performances unforgettable, and his absence will now be deeply felt. Rest well, Nana…Om Shanti."
Why Apaharan Matters in This Tribute
The choice of an Apaharan still for the tribute is a meaningful one. The film, directed by Prakash Jha, brought Ajay Devgn and Nana Patekar together on screen, and it remains a memorable chapter in both actors' careers. By picking an image from that film, Devgn pointed to a shared body of work rather than just a personal memory.
The tribute also captures something specific about Patekar as a performer. Devgn's words focus on range — the ability to make audiences feel happiness, sadness, and anger. That is a rare quality, and Devgn's note names it directly.
Our Take: A Fitting Farewell From a Co-Star
In our view, this tribute stands out because it is short, specific, and honest. Ajay Devgn does not lean on long paragraphs or grand statements. He names three emotions — happy, sad, angry — and ties them to what Nana Patekar did on screen. That is exactly what made Patekar's work connect with people.
To put it plainly, the loss of Nana Patekar is a loss for Indian cinema. Tributes like this one matter because they come from people who worked closely with him and saw his craft up close. For fans, Devgn's note is a reminder of the performances that defined Patekar's career — and of the Apaharan pairing that many still remember.
What should readers take from this? Simply that a veteran actor's passing has drawn an emotional response from one of his most notable co-stars. The note is brief, but it says what needs to be said: his presence was powerful, and his absence will be deeply felt.
