“I Am the Same Person Inside and Out” — Ashok Thombre Gets Emotional Remembering Nana Patekar
New Delhi, 13th October 2026: Ashok Thombre, who has represented India on international platforms, became emotional while sharing his personal memories of legendary Indian actor and socially committed humanitarian Nana Patekar.
Thombre described Nana Patekar as not merely an extraordinary actor but also a remarkable embodiment of honesty, simplicity, compassion, straightforwardness, and human values.
Recalling his personal interactions with Nana Patekar, Thombre said, “Nana would often tell me, ‘I am the same person inside and out.’ That was the most remarkable quality of his personality. He was exactly the person he appeared to be. There was never any difference between his thoughts, words, and actions.”
Nana Patekar Was the First to Encourage Me Before My Journey to London
Recalling one of the most emotional and unforgettable moments of his life, Ashok Thombre shared that when he was selected to represent India at an international public speaking competition in London, Nana Patekar was among the first to encourage and congratulate him.
Thombre recalled, “Nana proudly said that the son of a farmer from Beed district was going to London to represent India. He affectionately patted me on the back and congratulated me. It was one of the most precious and inspiring moments of my life. That first gesture of appreciation remains deeply engraved in my memory.”
He added that although life brings numerous achievements, recognitions, and honours, heartfelt encouragement from someone who genuinely cares carries a value no less significant than a prestigious award.
Nana Patekar’s Contribution to the Farmers of Beed Will Never Be Forgotten
Speaking about the agricultural challenges faced by Maharashtra’s Beed district, Thombre noted that his home district has long struggled with recurring droughts and agrarian distress.
During these difficult circumstances, Nana Patekar and fellow actor Makarand Anaspure established the NAAM Foundation to support farmers and families affected by farmer suicides.
Thombre said, “Coming from a farming family in Beed district, I understand the struggles and suffering of farmers very closely. Nana did not merely express concern about their difficulties; he personally stepped forward to help them. His contribution to farmers and rural communities will always be remembered with deep respect by the people of Marathwada.”
He emphasised that Nana Patekar’s commitment to social welfare reflected a rare combination of compassion, responsibility, and meaningful action.
Nana’s Childlike Joy While Decorating Lord Ganesha
Recalling a particularly heartwarming visit to Nana Patekar’s residence in Mumbai during Ganeshotsav, Thombre shared a beautiful memory that reflected the actor’s simplicity and genuine happiness.
He said, “During Ganeshotsav, when I visited Nana’s home in Mumbai, he enthusiastically showed me the beautiful floral decorations around Lord Ganesha. With immense happiness, he explained that he had personally arranged all the flowers with his own hands. The joy and satisfaction on his face at that moment remain vividly etched in my memory.”
According to Thombre, despite being one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema, Nana Patekar found extraordinary happiness in life’s simplest moments.
“That childlike enthusiasm and the ability to find happiness in small things reflected the natural simplicity and warmth of his personality,” he recalled.
Appreciation for Good Work, a Stern Scolding for Mistakes
Speaking about Nana Patekar’s straightforward personality, Thombre said that behind his sometimes stern words was a deep sense of affection and genuine concern.
“Nana would respond to every message I sent him. Whenever I did something good, he would immediately appreciate and encourage me. But whenever I made a mistake, he would not hesitate to scold me. Even his scolding carried affection and concern. He never praised anyone merely for the sake of appearances. He always spoke what he genuinely believed was right.”
Thombre said that being associated with a personality like Nana Patekar helped strengthen his self-confidence, discipline, integrity, and sense of social responsibility.
He added that Nana’s honesty and fearless expression of his thoughts were among the qualities that made him truly exceptional.
“I Still Cannot Believe That Nana Is No Longer With Us”
Expressing his profound grief, Ashok Thombre said, “The same Nana who appreciated my achievements, corrected me when I made mistakes, responded to every message, and always made me feel a sense of belonging is suddenly no longer among us. It is extremely difficult to accept this reality. His memories will remain with me throughout my life.”
He further stated that Nana Patekar would be remembered not only for his unforgettable performances in Indian cinema but also for his simplicity, fearless convictions, compassion towards farmers, and meaningful contributions to society.
“Nana was not simply a great actor. He was a person whose life reflected courage, authenticity, compassion, and a deep commitment to humanity.”
Concluding his emotional tribute, Thombre said:
“People like Nana never truly leave us. They continue to live through our memories, values, thoughts, and the inspiration they provide at every important stage of our lives. His passing is not merely the loss of a legendary actor; for me, it is a deeply personal loss.”
