‘We’ll Meet in Another World, Dada’: Smriti Irani Remembers Nana Patekar With Emotion

From their final conversation to memories of cooking together, Smriti Irani recalls the personal moments she shared with the late actor

New Delhi. (SDNA) The passing of veteran actor Nana Patekar has left his admirers, colleagues and close associates mourning. Former Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani also paid an emotional tribute to the actor, sharing deeply personal memories of their relationship on social media.

Irani said she affectionately called Nana Patekar ‘Dada’, a name that reflected the warmth and familiarity of their bond.

‘For Me, He Was Always Dada’

In her tribute, Smriti Irani recalled that while the world knew him as Nana Patekar, he was simply ‘Dada’ to her. His phone calls, she said, were spontaneous and informal, often beginning with a familiar question: “Where are you?”

She remembered the ease with which they communicated and the warmth that characterised their conversations.

Memories That Were Never Captured in Photographs

Irani also reflected on how rarely she took photographs during their time together. At the time, she said, there was never any reason to imagine that those ordinary moments would one day become precious memories.

She recalled occasionally calling Nana to connect him with young talents who wanted to speak with him. According to her, he was always approachable and willing to encourage and interact with young people.

‘Dada Cooked for Me’

Among the memories she shared was a particularly personal one—Nana Patekar cooking food for her.

Irani shared a video of the actor preparing food and explained that there was nothing particularly ceremonial about the occasion. There was no special event or formal gathering; it was simply Nana being himself and preparing a meal for someone he cared about.

What may once have seemed like an ordinary moment has now become one of her most treasured memories.

His Final Question Still Echoes

Smriti Irani also recalled her last conversation with Nana Patekar. He had asked her when she would be coming to Pune.

Her response was simple: “Soon.”

Looking back, she wrote that she now wishes that ‘soon’ had arrived much earlier.

Concluding her emotional tribute, Irani wrote a heartfelt message to the actor: “We’ll meet in another world, Dada.”

Remembering the Man Behind the Actor

Nana Patekar was widely recognised for his powerful performances, distinctive voice and intense screen presence. But Smriti Irani’s memories offer a different glimpse of him—a warm and affectionate person who would call without ceremony, make time for young talents and even cook a meal for a friend.

These personal recollections underline the human side of an actor whose public persona was often defined by intensity and powerful performances.

His films and memorable characters will continue to remain part of Indian cinema, while stories such as these will preserve the more intimate memories of Nana Patekar—the person behind the celebrated actor.

(SDNA)