Amitabh Bachchan used the opening of Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 to mark the death of Nana Patekar, who died in Goa on the morning of October 8 at 75. Bachchan described him as an “adwitiya kalaka”—an incomparable artist—and framed the loss as both personal and institutional.
For readers who have followed Hindi cinema across decades, the tribute was also a reminder of a particular kind of screen figure: an actor who moved between theatre, Marathi cinema and mainstream Hindi films without smoothing away his edges.
What Bachchan said on air
Bachchan began the episode by remembering Patekar as a friend, well-wisher and social worker, not only as an actor. The tribute, shared by Sony LIV, returned repeatedly to his simplicity and his courage to speak directly. Bachchan said that some people leave, but their voice, philanthropy and lessons remain; he placed Patekar among those people.
He also recalled the 1999 action thriller Kohram, directed by Mehul Kumar, where the two actors worked together. Bachchan ended that personal note with a salute to a friend and a bow to an art lived with honesty and dedication.
A record of service, not just stardom
Bachchan pointed to Patekar’s appearance in the sixteenth season of KBC, during a special episode, as a measure of the man. On that occasion, Patekar directed his prize money toward farmers in Maharashtra villages suffering from inadequate rainfall, and personally helped them, Bachchan said.
- The bond: Bachchan and Patekar shared screen space in Kohram (1999).
- The record: Patekar’s KBC 16 winnings were routed to drought-affected farming communities.
- The honour: Maharashtra announced a state funeral for his contribution to Marathi theatre and Hindi and Marathi cinema.
Why this moment matters
Patekar’s death closes a chapter for an actor whose career was not easily categorised. He worked across languages and formats, and he was frequently discussed as much for his convictions as for his performances. The state funeral underlines the Maharashtra government’s recognition of that contribution. His last rites are being performed at his farmhouse in Donje village, near Khadakwasla, on the outskirts of Pune.
The KBC tribute matters because it is the rare instance in which a prime-time entertainment format pauses to treat a colleague’s passing as part of the historical record. It also surfaces details that younger viewers may not know: the Kohram pairing, the KBC 16 donation, and the institutional farewell. Bachchan conveyed condolences to Patekar’s family on behalf of the KBC team.
Source: Mid-day
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