From Rs 35-a-month poster painter to Bollywood star: Nana Patekar's career pivots

Nana Patekar, who died at 75 in Goa after a cardiac arrest, built a career that began with painting film posters for Rs 35 a month as a teenager. His journey through art, theatre, cinema and military service came to define one of Hindi cinema's most distinctive public lives.Nana Patekar’s career journey: How a Rs 35-a-month job led to Bollywood stardom (Image: PTI)New Delhi,Oct 8, 2026 10:04 ISTBefore Nana Patekar became one of Indian cinema’s most respected actors, he was a teenager struggling to earn money to support his family. Patekar, who died at 75 on Thursday, October 8, after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Goa, began his working life painting film posters for Rs 35 a month.His journey from those difficult early years to becoming one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actors was as remarkable as his film career.AT 13, NANA PATEKAR STARTED PAINTING FILM POSTERSNana Patekar started working years before he stepped into the world of films. When he was around 13, his family faced severe financial difficulties after his father’s business collapsed. To help support his family, he began painting film posters in Mumbai.In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Patekar recalled earning around Rs 35 a month and walking nearly eight kilometres every day to work. The job also provided him with one meal a day, which helped support his family during those difficult years. Those early years gave Patekar a firsthand experience of hardship and responsibility. While most teenagers his age were focused on school and their future, he was already working to contribute to his family’s income.FROM APPLIED ART TO BOLLYWOOD STARDOMPatekar studied at Samarth Vidyalaya in Mumbai before pursuing art at the Sir J.J. School of Art and the Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art. After completing a diploma in applied art, he worked as a commercial artist before moving into theatre. Acting gradually became his focus, allowing him to hone his skills and take on challenging roles. He made his film debut with Gaman in 1978, but recognition came only after years of theatre and supporting roles.His performances in Parinda, Krantiveer and Agni Sakshi earned him National Film Awards, while his comic role as Uday Shetty in Welcome showcased his versatility. His ability to move between intense drama, action and comedy became a defining feature of his career.FROM FILMMAKER TO KARGILPatekar also ventured into filmmaking, making his directorial debut with Prahaar: The Final Attack in 1991. The film focused on the lives and training of soldiers, reflecting his interest in the armed forces.His connection with the military went beyond cinema. Patekar underwent military training and later spent time with soldiers during the 1999 Kargil War. He recalled being part of a Quick Reaction Team during his time with the troops.His association with the armed forces became another distinctive chapter of his life, alongside his work as an actor, director, writer and theatre artiste.NANA PATEKAR’S LEGACY BEYOND BOLLYWOODPatekar remained connected to Marathi cinema and theatre even after establishing himself in Hindi films. His performance in Natsamrat once again highlighted his ability to portray deeply emotional characters. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to the arts.With films such as Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan, Raajneeti, Welcome and Natsamrat, Patekar continued to explore diverse roles.From painting posters for Rs 35 a month to becoming a National Award-winning actor, filmmaker and theatre artiste, Patekar’s journey was marked by hardship, perseverance and reinvention. He built a career that extended far beyond Bollywood, leaving behind a distinctive body of work across cinema, theatre and direction.- Ends