KBC 18: Amitabh Bachchan honours Nana Patekar, recalls farmers' cause

Amitabh Bachchan paid tribute to Nana Patekar on the latest episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 18. The megastar remembered him as an extraordinary artist, a friend and a man whose simplicity and honesty left a lasting impression on those who knew him. Bachchan also recalled Patekar’s appearance on the KBC stage and said the actor’s words and actions continued to stay with the show’s team.The tribute came as Patekar was cremated with full state honours on Thursday at his farmhouse in Donje, near Pune’s Khadakwasla. He died at the age of 75 after suffering chest pain at his residence in Goa in the early hours of Thursday. Family members, colleagues, friends from the film industry and several political figures attended the funeral.In his address on the show, Bachchan said in Hindi, “Ladies and gentlemen, Nana Patekar ji passed away suddenly this morning. An extraordinary artist, a friend, a well-wisher, and an outstanding member of society is no longer among us today. This has left us all stunned—not only the Indian film industry but also every individual who came into contact with him.""His candour, his simplicity, and his courage to speak the truth—these qualities set him apart from everyone else. Some people leave our lives, but their voice, their good deeds, and the lessons they taught remain within us. Nana was one of those remarkable individuals; I offer my personal salutations to you, Nana, and pay tribute to the art you lived with such integrity and dedicated to us all,” the veteran actor continued. Bachchan also remembered Patekar’s earlier visit to the show. He said, “He had graced this KBC stage as a guest on a special programme. That memorable evening will always stay with us. His words not only moved us, but the noble cause to which he dedicated his winnings stood as a shining example of his social service. In the villages of Maharashtra suffering from a lack of rainfall, he stood in solidarity with the farmers and served them personally. On behalf of the KBC family, we offer our heartfelt tribute.”Funeral with state honoursEarlier in the day, the Maharashtra government had announced that Patekar would be accorded full state honours in recognition of his contribution to Marathi theatre and Hindi and Marathi cinema. He was later cremated at his farmhouse in Donje. Among those who attended the funeral were Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, politicians Roopali Chakankar, Chandrakant Patil and Bhai Jagtap, actor Pravin Tarde, Krantiveer director Mehul Kumar and writer Kiran.Several celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, among others paid tribute to the late actor on social media.- Ends