Big B remembers Nana Patekar again, and 'Zindagi Ka Sath' makes it personal

Amitabh Bachchan paid tribute to Nana Patekar by sharing a series of throwback videos on Instagram and X, remembering moments from their long association after the actor’s death at the age of 75. Patekar died after suffering chest pain at his residence in Goa in the early hours of Thursday.The videos revisited several memories. In one, Patekar spoke about shooting an episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati with Bachchan. In another, he sang Main Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata Chala while seated on the KBC hot seat. One clip showed him speaking about Bachchan becoming a nana during the shooting of a film, while another captured a light moment from their film Kohram.Along with the videos, Bachchan also shared a message on X. He wrote, “Stunned! Every distant day, our connection with them was maintained through messages. Today, their message didn’t come.” The posts brought back moments from Patekar’s visit to the show, his bond with Bachchan and the work for which he was remembered.Remembering Patekar on KBCBachchan also paid tribute to Patekar on the latest episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati. He remembered him as “an extraordinary artist, a friend, a well-wisher, and an outstanding member of society”, and said Patekar’s death had left people stunned not only in the Indian film industry but also among those who had known him personally. Bachchan said, “His candour, his simplicity, and his courage to speak the truth—these qualities set him apart from everyone else. Some people leave our lives, but their voice, their good deeds, and the lessons they taught remain within us. Nana was one of those remarkable individuals; I offer my personal salutations to you, Nana, and pay tribute to the art you lived with such integrity and dedicated to us all.”He also recalled Patekar’s earlier appearance on the show. “He had graced this KBC stage as a guest on a special programme. That memorable evening will always stay with us. His words not only moved us, but the noble cause to which he dedicated his winnings stood as a shining example of his social service,” Bachchan said.He added that Patekar had stood with farmers in drought-hit villages of Maharashtra and served them personally. “On behalf of the KBC family, we offer our heartfelt tribute,” the megastar concluded.Funeral with state honoursPatekar was cremated at his farmhouse in Donje, in Pune’s Khadakwasla.Earlier in the day, the Maharashtra government announced that Patekar would be accorded full state honours in recognition of his contribution to Marathi theatre and Hindi and Marathi cinemaFamily members, colleagues, friends from the film industry and several political figures attended the funeral. Among those present were Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, politicians Roopali Chakankar, Chandrakant Patil and Bhai Jagtap, actor Pravin Tarde, Krantiveer director Mehul Kumar and writer Kiran.Several film personalities, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt, also paid tribute to Patekar on social media.- Ends