Nana Patekar's wife Neelkanti cleared IIT, chose theatre, supported his acting dreams

Nana Patekar’s wife, Neelakanti Patekar, was handed the Indian national flag during the actor’s cremation at his farmhouse in Pune. It was a rare public appearance by Neelakanti, who has largely been known as the wife of the Krantiveer star. But her own story is just as interesting. She studied Physics, reportedly cleared the IIT entrance examination and chose theatre over a conventional academic career. She went on to win awards for her work in Marathi theatre and cinema before returning to the screen in Chhaava in 2025.Neelakanti’s story has come back into the spotlight following social media posts about Nana Patekar’s family life, which have drawn attention to her decision to pursue acting despite her academic achievements.Born in Pune, Neelakanti grew up in a family that placed great importance on education. Her father, who worked in the Central Excise Department, wanted her to pursue a conventional career. She studied Physics and appeared for the IIT entrance examination at his insistence. According to reports, she cleared the examination but chose to follow her interest in theatre instead. Nana Patekar's wife Neelakanti Patekar being handed over the Indian national flag during the actor's cremation at his farmhouse at Donje village, in Pune district. Photo: PTI Neelakanti’s journey in theatre and filmsNeelakanti began establishing herself in Marathi theatre while she was still finding her feet as an actor. Her talent received early recognition when she won the Gold Medal for Best Actress at the Maharashtra State Drama Competition in 1973. She later moved into Marathi cinema and starred opposite Sachin Pilgaonkar in Aatm Vishwas. The 1989 film, directed by Pilgaonkar, earned her the Maharashtra State Government’s Best Actress award.However, Neelakanti did not continue working regularly in films. She also worked as a bank officer and spent years away from the screen. Her return came with Chhaava, the 2025 historical drama starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna. In the film, she played Dharau, returning to the screen before a wider audience after a long break.What Nana Patekar said about his wife Neelakanti’s story is also closely linked to the early years of Nana Patekar’s acting career. In an interview with The Lallantop, Nana spoke about how his wife supported him when he was struggling to establish himself as an actor.He recalled that they met while working on the play Jaat Hi Puchho Sadhu Ki. At the time, Nana earned around Rs 50 per theatre performance, while Neelakanti worked as a bank officer and earned a monthly salary of Rs 2,500."She was working as an officer in a bank. I would get paid Rs 50 per show, and she had a salary of Rs 2500. I could only make Rs 750 after doing 15-20 shows," he said.35 YEARS APART. NEVER DIVORCED. NANA PATEKAR’S MARRIAGE HAD A STORY FEW KNEW. Even after decades of living separately, Nana Patekar and his wife Neelakanti never legally divorced. They married in 1978 after meeting during their theatre days. But over time, differences in their personalities and outlook led them to live separate lives. Yet Nana once revealed something surprising about their relationship. “We are not divorced. We meet almost every day and take care of each other,” he said in a 2015 interview with Rediff. Neelakanti also supported Nana financially during his struggling days, encouraging him to pursue acting when her bank salary provided stability. The couple also endured the heartbreaking loss of their elder son, Durvasa, at just two-and-a-half years old. Rumours about Nana’s alleged relationship with Manisha Koirala made headlines, but the exact reasons behind their separation remained deeply personal. Neelakanti was more than just Nana Patekar’s wife. She was an actress in her own right who stood by him during his early struggles. They lived apart, but never legally ended their marriage. Why? Perhaps only they truly knew the answer.— Buntyy Bagga (@bagga_buntyy1) October 9, 2026Nana said she encouraged him to continue pursuing acting, assuring him that her salary would support them. He credited her with helping him build his career, saying he owed her a great deal and might not have been able to pursue the profession without her support.His account offers a glimpse into the couple’s early years, when acting was an uncertain career and Neelakanti’s steady income helped provide financial stability.Marriage, family and living separatelyNeelakanti married Nana in 1978. They started a family but suffered a major loss when their first son, Durvas, died at around two and a half years of age. They later welcomed another son, Malhar.Over the years, the couple began living separately, although they remained legally married. Nana has spoken about the differences that developed between them and how they eventually chose to live apart.In an earlier interview, he said that he and Neelakanti had shared many happy years and supported each other through difficult times. However, differences emerged over time, and they gradually grew apart while remaining married.Nana Patekar died after suffering severe chest pain in the wee hours of October 8. He was taken to Manipal Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him for around 45 minutes, according to Dr Shekhar Salkar, head of the hospital’s oncology department. He was cremated in Pune with full state honours.- Ends