While many actors play heroes on screen, one Bollywood legend lived it in real life. During the Kargil War, Nana Patekar—renowned actor and three-time National Award winner—actually joined the Indian Army and served near the frontlines.
As tensions between India and Pakistan intensify again following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s Operation Sindoor, stories of real-life patriotism are resurfacing. One such story is that of Nana Patekar’s service during the Kargil War.
Patekar, known for his intense screen presence, revealed on Kaun Banega Crorepati 16 that he trained with the Maratha Light Infantry for three years in the 1990s to prepare for his film Prahaar. When the Kargil War broke out, he approached senior Army officials, requesting to join the troops at the front. Initially, it seemed impossible without government clearance. But Patekar personally contacted then Defence Minister George Fernandes, explaining the extent of his training. Impressed by his commitment, Fernandes reportedly asked, “When do you want to go?”
According to various reports, Nana Patekar spent more than two weeks at the Line of Control (LoC), assisting soldiers and working in a base hospital. He reportedly lost around 20 kilograms during this time due to the harsh conditions.
On the professional front, Nana Patekar is set to return to the big screen in Housefull 5, starring alongside Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandez, and others.