Rana Daggubati Remembers Nana Patekar Says His Simplicity and Screen Presence Will Be Missed for Years

Rana Daggubati has paid an emotional tribute to veteran actor Nana Patekar, remembering him as an extraordinary performer whose absence will leave a void that will be difficult to fill. The Baahubali star shared his thoughts during his appearance at Whistling Woods International (WWI) in Mumbai on October 8, 2026, where he participated in the annual Celebrate Cinema '26 festival. Speaking about Nana's remarkable contribution to Indian cinema, Rana reflected on the stories he had heard about the late actor, his unforgettable performances and the simplicity with which he lived his life. His heartfelt words offered a glimpse into the deep respect Nana commanded among fellow artists, even those who had only met him a handful of times.

Remembering the veteran actor, Rana said, “It's weird that few it's like a I mean it's a void that nobody can fill. It's such a amazingly fine actor. I got to meet him very little times in my life.” Although Rana admitted that his personal interactions with Nana were limited, his admiration for the actor was evident. He described Nana as a remarkably gifted performer whose work left a lasting impression on audiences and colleagues alike. For Rana, the loss was not simply about the passing of an accomplished actor but also about saying goodbye to a personality whose contribution to cinema extended far beyond his appearances on screen.

Rana also recalled hearing numerous stories about Nana Patekar from filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, with whom he had worked. Sharing how those stories shaped his understanding of the veteran actor, Rana said, “Uh but I heard stories so many stories of him from Mr. Ram Gopal Verma when I uh worked with him.” He went on to explain that Nana's performances often inspired fascinating conversations about the man behind the characters. “And every time he's on screen, there's some there's a fabulous story that you hear him see of him on screen and you hear a greater story offcreen,” Rana added. His recollection highlighted how Nana's reputation was built not only on his acting talent but also on the remarkable stories and experiences associated with him.

Beyond his screen presence and professional achievements, Rana particularly admired Nana's simplicity and grounded nature. Reflecting on the qualities that made the actor special, he said, “And the human that he is, the simplicity that he held all through his life, I think is uh something all of us will learn from.” The observation offered a personal dimension to the tribute, emphasising the importance of character and humility alongside artistic excellence. Rana's words also reflected the admiration that experienced performers can have for colleagues whose lives and careers leave a lasting impression on the industry.

The actor concluded his tribute by acknowledging how deeply Nana's absence would be felt by both audiences and the film fraternity. “And it's it's somebody that an audience and industry will miss for a very very long time,” he said. The sentiment echoed the many tributes shared by actors, filmmakers and fans following Nana's passing. Known for his intense performances and distinctive screen presence, Nana Patekar built a career that spanned decades, earning recognition for his ability to portray complicated characters with remarkable conviction. His work continues to resonate with viewers, making his loss particularly significant for Indian cinema.

Rana made his remarks while attending Celebrate Cinema '26 at Whistling Woods International, joining veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai and academy director Rahul Puri for the annual gathering of film enthusiasts and aspiring professionals. He headlined a question-and-answer session titled Impact of Big Screen Cinema, moderated by Rahul Puri in the main WWI Auditorium. The discussion explored why certain stories are best experienced on a large screen and how watching films together creates a shared emotional experience. Amid conversations about cinematic storytelling and the power of theatrical viewing, Rana's tribute to Nana Patekar served as a poignant reminder of the performers whose artistry and humanity continue to shape the legacy of Indian cinema.