His OWN MASTER

Nana Patekar has always been a free soul. He shares his life hacks with Suman Sharma

- Suman Sharma

Nana Patekar has always been called a maverick. Tell him that and he smiles. He doesn’t take umbrage to that as he’s learned to take both the bouquets, brickbats and the sobriquets in his stride. He’s detached from it all, preferring to live his life in a village. He doesn’t like the hustle and bustle of the cities. And has gravitated towards the simple things in life. He’s a star who has shunned the perks of stardom, saying they don’t really matter. He’s still a tiger in front of the camera, towering above everyone else with his mere presence. The star doesn’t open up easily but when he does, a treasure trove of anecdotes opens up…

YOUR FILM, THE VACCINE WAR, IS BASED ON DR. BALRAM, WHO WORKED ON THE COVID VACCINE, AND YOU ARE PLAYING HIS ROLE. DID YOU MEET HIM TO PREPARE FOR THE ROLE?

I never met him, nor did I copy any of his mannerisms. I just surrendered myself to the director’s vision, that’s all.

OUR SCIENTISTS HAVE CONTRIBUTED A LOT TO THE PROGRESS OF OUR COUNTRY. IT’S GREAT TO SEE FILMS MADE ABOUT THEIR LIVES AND ACHIEVEMENTS. 

The problem is that we conveniently forget people, don’t ever thank them and use their products and discoveries as if they’re our birthright. We should be talking about the difficulties they endured, but we don’t even know about them. The common man should be aware of all that. More filmmakers should come forward and make films not only about scientists but also about achievers in every field.

YOU FACED THE CAMERA AFTER A LONG TIME FOR THE VACCINE WAR. DID YOU MISS THE ARCLIGHTS?