Nana Patekar's Kargil story: 60 days in uniform and training that changed everything

Nana Patekar, who died at 75 on Thursday, October 8, had a side to him that went far beyond his celebrated film career. The actor, who often played tough and authoritative characters on screen, had a real-life connection with the Indian Army too. He underwent extensive military training for Prahaar: The Final Attack (1991) and later spent around 60 days with soldiers during the 1999 Kargil War.Patekar had spoken about his Kargil experience years later, revealing how he became part of a Quick Reaction Team and travelled with Army personnel in the conflict zone. On his death, here’s a look back at the actor’s unusual and little-known association with the armed forces.Patekar had often spoken about his respect for the armed forces. In a 2024 interview with The Lallantop, he opened up about his experience during the Kargil conflict and revealed that he had spent around 60 days with Army personnel after getting permission from then Defence Minister George Fernandes.Nana Patekar's rigorous trainingPatekar's association with the armed forces extended beyond his screen roles. His military experience began with the preparation for Prahaar: The Final Attack, in which he played Major Pratap Chauhan and also served as director. For the film, Patekar underwent rigorous training with the Maratha Light Infantry at its regimental centre in Belgaum. India Today had reported in 1992 that he went through an intense physical training course there while preparing to play the Army officer.His connection with the Territorial Army also continued beyond the film. Patekar was later recognised as an officer of the Territorial Army and was eventually given the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel.Nana spent around 60 days with the Army during Kargil War When the Kargil War broke out in 1999, Patekar wanted to be with the soldiers on the ground. He approached then Defence Minister George Fernandes seeking permission to join the troops.Patekar recalled that Fernandes initially told him that a civilian could not simply join the Army. The actor then explained that he had completed commando training, had experience with firearms and had competed at the national level in rifle shooting.Fernandes eventually gave him permission to go.Patekar later said that he spent around 60 days with the troops and travelled to places including Dras, Leh, Kupwara, Baramulla and Sopore. He also revealed that he became part of a Quick Reaction Team (QRT).When asked about exactly what he did during his time with the Army, Patekar chose not to reveal operational details.“Don't ask me now,” he said in the interview. Nana Patekar with Farooq Abdullah. Photo: India Today Archives He also recalled the physical toll of the experience. According to Patekar, he weighed 76 kg when he left and returned at 56 kg.“I felt happy. I could at least do this little bit for the country,” he said.Patekar's presence with soldiers during the Kargil conflict was reported by India Today at the time. An August 1999 report described how the actor was living among soldiers for more than a fortnight and moving from post to post.Unlike several celebrities who visited injured soldiers, Patekar spent time alongside troops in the conflict zone.Years later, his own account of the experience offered more details about his association with the Army. He said he had been part of a Quick Reaction Team during the conflict.Patekar's relationship with the armed forces therefore remained one of the lesser-known aspects of his life, even as his performances as military and tough, authoritative characters became some of his most memorable work.His portrayal of Major Pratap Chauhan in Prahaar, in particular, was shaped by the extensive military training he underwent for the film. His real-life association with soldiers during the Kargil War later added another dimension to his connection with the armed forces.Nana Patekar died at his home in Goa in the early hours of Thursday. He was 75. His death marks the end of a career spanning more than four decades, during which he became known for intense performances in films including Parinda, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Ab Tak Chhappan, Welcome and Natsamrat.- Ends