Did you know Nana Patekar served with the Army for 60 days during Kargil War?

Actor Nana Patekar's association with the Indian Army goes beyond his admiration for the armed forces. During the 1999 Kargil War, the actor managed to spend around 60 days with Army personnel after seeking permission to join the troops. In a 2024 interview with The Lallantop, Patekar recalled approaching then Defence Minister George Fernandes and eventually becoming part of a Quick Reaction Team (QRT).Patekar said he wanted to be with the Army during the Kargil conflict and approached Fernandes for permission. He recalled that Fernandes initially pointed out that a civilian could not simply join the Army.According to Patekar, he told the then Defence Minister that he had completed a commando course and had experience with firearms. He also said that he had represented India at the national level in rifle shooting and had won a bronze medal."I am a good shooter. I have competed at the national level in rifle shooting," Patekar said, recalling his conversation about his shooting experience. Nana Patekar with Farooq Abdullah. Photo: India Today Archives Nana Patekar spent 60 days with the ArmyPatekar recalled that Fernandes eventually asked him when he wanted to leave. When the actor said he was ready, he was told to leave that very day.The actor said he spent around 60 days with the troops and travelled to several locations, including Dras, Leh, Kupwara, Baramulla and Sopore. Photo: India Today Archive When asked what exactly he did during his time there, Patekar chose not to elaborate."Don't ask me now," he said, indicating that he did not want to discuss the details of his time with the troops.He eventually revealed that he became a member of a QRT, or Quick Reaction Team. The interviewer described it as one of the Army's most elite units.'I was 76 kg, came back at 56 kg'Patekar also recalled the physical toll of spending two months with the Army."I was 76 kg. When I came back, I was 56 kg," he said, claiming that his weight dropped significantly during the two months.He described how physically demanding the experience had been, saying his condition had changed considerably by the time he returned.Despite the passage of several years, Patekar said he had rarely spoken about his experience. He explained that he was discussing it only because the interviewer had asked him about it.Patekar said he did not see his time with the Army as something to boast about. Instead, he appeared to view it as a small contribution he could make to the country."I felt happy. I could at least do this little bit for the country," he said.The actor's account offers a glimpse into his time with the Indian Army during the Kargil War. Patekar has previously spoken about his association with the armed forces and his admiration for soldiers.- EndsPublished By: shweta keshriPublished On: Aug 25, 2026 11:40 IST