“Mi ektach vegla…” — Nana Patekar Opens Up About Life, Love, and Living Apart from His Wife
"Mi ektach vegla..." — Nana Patekar Opens Up About Life, Love, and Living Apart from His Wife
Known for his intense performances and powerful presence, actor Nana Patekar recently opened up about a lesser-known part of his life — his relationship with wife Neelkanti Patekar and the personal choices that shaped his journey.
In an emotional interview with The Lallantop, Nana shared how he met Neelkanti during their theatre days. “She was a bank officer and also acted in plays. While I earned Rs. 50 per show, her monthly salary was Rs. 2,500. She told me, ‘You focus on building your career, I’ll take care of us,’” he recalled. That unwavering support, Nana admits, was crucial during the uncertain early years of his career.
The couple had a simple love marriage, spending just Rs. 750 on their wedding and choosing Pune for their honeymoon. Despite their strong bond, they eventually began living separately — a decision born from practicality rather than conflict. Their son Malhar and Nana’s mother stayed with Neelkanti, while Nana lived alone. “This was the setup that worked for us,” he said, emphasizing that emotional support between them never faded.
Neelkanti, who once acted in films and even won a state award, stepped away from the limelight to focus on her family. She recently made a rare appearance in the film Chhava, reminding audiences of her artistic past.
Their son Malhar has followed a creative path too — involved with the Naam Foundation alongside Nana, and working in films both in front of and behind the camera.
This candid conversation revealed the quiet strength behind Nana Patekar’s life: a relationship rooted in mutual respect, quiet sacrifices, and unspoken understanding.
