Musicians remember Nana Patekar as a devoted listener and arts patron
Following Nana Patekar's death, musicians and cultural organisers have recalled his enduring interest in Indian classical music. A tribute published by The Hindu on October 9 describes home concerts, festivals and personal encounters with the actor.
On music television programmes, Patekar did more than appear as a guest judge. When Sneha Shankar performed on Indian Idol, he asked for the next verse of a song from Izzat. Singer Subashree Debnath recalled his request for Lata Mangeshkar's Jaane kya baat hai on Sa Re Ga Ma. On another show, he sat at the tabla and invited a singer to join him.
Patekar regularly attended classical concerts. The Hindu's writer recalls seeing him listen closely to Kalapini Komkali at Mumbai's National Centre for the Performing Arts, then discuss favourite compositions by her father, Kumar Gandharva.
Curator Shashi Vyas, founder of Pancham Nishad, said Patekar often attended Chintamani Jayanti Samaroh, held in memory of vocalist and composer C.R. Vyas. When unable to attend, he called the organiser. His listening ranged from Begum Akhtar, Bal Gandharva, Bhimsen Joshi and Kishori Amonkar to Carnatic musicians including T.M. Krishna.
Patekar hosted intimate musical gatherings at his Pune home, with Rashid Khan among the guests. Vyas said the actor wanted to spend time with musicians, listen closely and learn. In interviews, Patekar described classical music as a way to find calm and shut out daily chaos.
Sitarist Shakir Khan recalled a call from Patekar at the gym two months before his death. The actor was listening to Khan's raag Bagesri and urged him to remain true to his musical legacy. Khan also said Patekar once attended all three hours of his Pune workshop before requesting raag Pilu. The actor had long admired the playing of Khan's father, Shahid Parvez.
Patekar's interest in Hindustani music is associated with hearing Gangubai Hangal. He attended her concerts in Mumbai and Pune and the Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav. The musical play Katyar Kaljat Ghusli, starring Vasantrao Deshpande, is also credited with encouraging his interest in Natyasangeet.
When Rahul Deshpande revived the play, Patekar supported the production. He became a patron and trustee of the Dr Vasantrao Deshpande Pratishthan and helped organise Pune's three-day Vasantotsav festival.
Patekar, who studied commercial art at Mumbai's Sir J.J. School of Art, also wrote poetry. His verses appeared on the 2024 Marathi album Nanachhand, and he recited them publicly in his distinctive baritone. The Hindu's tribute presents music and poetry as enduring parts of his life beyond filmmaking.
