Neena Kulkarni to India Today: 'Nana Was a No Filter Person'

Veteran actor Neena Kulkarni reflected on her decades-long association with Nana Patekar, recalling their early days in theatre under the mentorship of Vijaya Mehta. Speaking to India Today, she highlighted their work together in landmark plays Hamida Bai Chi Kothi and Mahasagar, which completed over a thousand shows. Addressing public perceptions of his demeanour, Kulkarni said, "Nana was a no filter person. He was who he was." She rejected claims that he was arrogant, attributing his screen presence and authenticity to his grounding in Marathi theatre and Mumbai's cultural fabric. Kulkarni shared personal anecdotes about his candid interactions with her family, including addressing her doctor parents by their first names. She also touched upon his deep devotion to Vijaya Mehta, his sociopolitical involvement through initiatives like the Naam Foundation, and his memorable political interviews, celebrating him as a loyal and principled friend.