Nana Patekar Served Alongside Soldiers During the Kargil War

Nana Patekar, one of Bollywood’s acclaimed actors known for appearing in war-themed films, also had a real-life experience of working alongside Indian soldiers. He has previously revealed that he travelled to Kashmir during the 1999 Kargil War to contribute to the efforts of the armed forces. Recalling the experience on Kaun Banega Crorepati 16, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, Nana said he initially approached senior military officials seeking permission to serve near the border. When he was told that special approval was required, he contacted then Defence Minister George Fernandes.

Nana had undergone nearly three years of military training with the Maratha Light Infantry in the early 1990s for his film Prahaar. Based on this background, he received special permission to travel to Kashmir in August 1999, where he worked alongside soldiers for more than two weeks. He said he assisted personnel near the Line of Control and also contributed at a base hospital, with the Quick Response Team and in logistics-related activities. Nana recalled that his weight dropped from 76 kg to 56 kg during the experience. He later returned to acting and earned acclaim through films such as Tirangaa, Parinda, Krantiveer and Ab Tak Chhappan.