Veteran actor Nana Patekar is known not only for his powerful performances but also for his intense approach to acting. Over the years, several stories about his strict working style have surfaced, and actress Madhu recently recalled one such incident from the sets of the 1997 film Yashwant. Speaking to one of the media houses, Madhu revealed that while filming an emotional scene, Nana Patekar strongly opposed her use of glycerine to produce tears. The actress said she was required to cry during the sequence, but when she reached for glycerine, Nana insisted that the emotions should come naturally.
Nana Patekar
Madhu On Working With Nana Patekar
Recalling the moment, Madhu said, “While working with Nana Patekar, I became a method actor. There was a scene where I had to cry, and I wanted to use glycerine. Nana ji didn’t allow it. He told me to feel the emotion and let the tears come naturally.” However, things took an unexpected turn. According to Madhu, when she struggled to bring out the required emotions, Nana suddenly slapped her during the scene. The slap was so real that genuine tears immediately welled up in her eyes. Shocked and angry, Madhu instinctively slapped him back.
Madhu
Despite the intensity of the moment, the scene turned out exactly as the filmmakers wanted. Madhu revealed that the sequence was considered one of the most important scenes in the film. Director Anil Mattoo had initially planned to spend an entire day filming it, but because the emotions felt so authentic, the scene was completed in nearly half the expected time. She recalled that after the shot, Nana reportedly told the team there was no need for additional takes, declaring the scene complete.
Madhu
Interestingly, Madhu clarified that Nana never behaved disrespectfully toward her. She explained that his strictness stemmed from his passion for acting and his desire for authenticity. According to her, he would often become frustrated when actors relied on technical aids like glycerine or immediately stepped out of character after a shot. “I am the kind of actor who can switch on and switch off after a scene, but Nana ji didn’t believe in that approach. He felt that once you become a character, you should continue living that character,” she said.
Madhu
This is not the first time stories about Nana Patekar’s fiery temperament on film sets have emerged. Earlier, acclaimed filmmaker Sai Paranjpye had spoken about her experience while directing him in the 1990 film Disha. Sai Paranjpye recalled becoming frustrated with the actor’s behavior during the shoot and allegedly asking him to either cooperate professionally or leave the set. According to her, Nana walked off in anger but returned some time later before another heated exchange took place.