Shah Rukh Khan has paid an emotional tribute to Nana Patekar following the veteran actor's death at the age of 75. Remembering Nana as a mentor, teacher, critic, friend and even an "unbeatable carrom champion", Shah Rukh looked back at their bond and the advice that stayed with him through his career.
The two actors worked together in Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman in 1992 and later appeared in Shakti: The Power in 2002.
Shah Rukh Khan recalls first meeting with Nana Patekar
Taking to X, Shah Rukh remembered feeling awkward when he first met Nana.
"When I first met him, out of awe and awkwardness I fiddled with my hair. He slapped my hand away and said 'hero ki tarah Baal mat bana...tu actor hai'!" he wrote.
Shah Rukh said Nana never believed in flattering people and was known for saying exactly what he felt.
"He didn't flatter you. He didn't tell you what you wanted to hear. He told you what you needed to hear. That was Nana. Straightforward. Rough, honest and had the most beautiful smile. He always had a strange way of showing affection. He would shout at you first, and then somewhere between the third or fourth insult, you realised you were being hugged. He loved me and I loved him back."
Shah Rukh also remembered the many roles Nana played in his life beyond being a co-star.
"He was a mentor, a teacher, a critic and a friend who beat me and everyone else around him in carrom game after game and relished his victories."
The actor said Nana's personality, intensity and warmth would continue to stay with those who knew him.
"Nana your intensity, laughter, madness and love will always stay with us. I just wish we had time to have more conversations, another argument, another cup of tea and a game of carrom."
Shah Rukh Khan recalls Nana's advice
One line from Nana, in particular, stayed with Shah Rukh.
"You have left a void not only in the world of cinema but in the hearts of all Indians and the world. All I can say is, I will miss you dearly and carry your words in my heart till the end of time....'hero banne ke chakar mein actor mat khona' May your soul rest in peace Nana and Allah bless you."
The advice translates roughly to not losing the actor within while trying to become a hero.
Shah Rukh ended his tribute by remembering Nana's craft and his competitive streak during carrom games.
"The Heavens will be blessed to have you... a masterful actor and an unbeatable carrom champion. Love you and miss you dearly!! Too soon my Hero Actor! RIP."
Shah Rukh Khan and Nana Patekar worked together in Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman
Shah Rukh and Nana shared screen space in Aziz Mirza's Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, one of Shah Rukh's early films. They later appeared together in Shakti: The Power.
Nana Patekar died after suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his home in Goa. He was 75.