Nana Patekar's Brave Journey to the Kargil War Front
Nana Patekar's Service During Kargil War
File image of actor Nana Patekar during his service with Indian Army near the line of control during the Kargil War 1999(Photo: @jangotweets/X)
Mumbai, Oct 8: During the intense Kargil War in 1999, Nana Patekar paused his acting career to seek permission to serve on the front lines of the Indian Army, a significant moment he later shared on the show "Kaun Banega Crorepati".
Patekar, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 76 from cardiac arrest in Goa, had undergone rigorous training with the armed forces for his role in the 1991 film "Prahaar: The Final Attack," where he portrayed Major VS Chavan.
For this film, he trained with the Maratha Light Infantry for three years, a project he also wrote and directed.
When the Kargil conflict erupted, Patekar approached senior military officials to request deployment, but was informed that only the Defence Minister could grant such permission.
"I was acquainted with Defence Minister George Fernandes, so I reached out to him. He too said it was not feasible," Patekar recounted during his appearance on KBC in August 2024 while promoting his film "Vanvaas".
"I told him, 'Commission toh six months mein hota hai, maine toh teen saal guzaare hain.' He inquired about my experience, and I mentioned my time with the Maratha Light Infantry. He then asked, 'Kab jaana chahte ho?' I replied, 'Today.'"
Ultimately, he received the green light and made his way to the Kargil area in August 1999, where he spent time with soldiers stationed near the Line of Control.
Patekar spent approximately 60 days with the troops, visiting locations such as Dras, Leh, Kupwara, Baramulla, and Sopore.
"I weighed 76 kg when I arrived in Srinagar, but by the time I returned, I was down to 56 kg," he recalled.
He became part of a Quick Reaction Team (QRT) and later assisted at a military hospital in Srinagar.
"There, the bodies of fallen soldiers were brought in. It was heartbreaking, as many were in terrible condition. The remains were carefully prepared for their return to their hometowns. I worked there for six days.
"One day, while walking through the ward, someone called out, 'Hey Nana.' I recognized him, wrapped in a long sheet. When I touched him, he was burning with fever. He expressed his desire to return to the battlefield but was unable to. He then revealed that his legs had been amputated," he shared.
For Patekar, this experience was not just an act of bravery but a profound service to his country.
"I advise all actors to embrace their own joys and sorrows in life. Perform from that place. If your understanding of happiness and sorrow remains static, you won't be able to endure for long.
"Explore the world around you; there are various forms of joy and sorrow. However, your perspective on happiness and sorrow should evolve," he concluded.