Nana Patekar

Vishwanath Patekar, known to the world as Nana Patekar, was born on January 1, 1951. He is a distinguished Indian actor and filmmaker, primarily recognized for his impactful contributions to Hindi and Marathi cinema. Patekar is celebrated as one of the most influential figures in Indian film history, having received numerous accolades including three National Film Awards and four Filmfare Awards, along with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2013 for his artistic contributions.

His cinematic journey began with his Bollywood debut in the 1978 drama Gaman, after which he ventured into both Marathi and Hindi films. Patekar gained significant recognition for his role in the Academy Award-nominated Salaam Bombay in 1988, and his performance in the crime drama Parinda (1989) earned him both the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor and the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.

In 1991, he made his directorial debut with Prahaar: The Final Attack, further establishing his versatility in the industry. The 1990s saw him star in several commercially successful films, including Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman (1992) and Angaar (1992), for which he won the Filmfare Award for Best Villain. His portrayal in Krantiveer (1994) garnered him the National Film Award for Best Actor, solidifying his status as a leading actor.

As the new millennium approached, Patekar continued to impress audiences with his performances in films like Shakti: The Power (2002) and Ab Tak Chhappan (2004). His role as Uday Shetty in the comedy Welcome (2007) and its sequel Welcome Back (2015) showcased his comedic talent, while his portrayal of a politician in Raajneeti (2010) demonstrated his range as an actor. In 2016, he received critical acclaim for his role in the Marathi film Natsamrat, where he played a retired stage actor, earning the Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Marathi).