'Rashid Latif is Pakistani, he congratulated me': How veteran actor Nana Patekar forged a unique bond with Pakistan cricket

Veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar passed away on Thursday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the film and sporting worlds — including a touching farewell from former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif, who shared the remarkable story of a cross-border friendship that began on a cricket tour more than three decades ago.

Latif, who was affectionately nicknamed "Nana" by his Pakistan teammates in honour of the actor, recalled how their conversations first began during the Singer Trophy in Colombo in 1994 — and how senior Indian cricketers helped keep the unlikely bond alive.

"I used to speak with him regularly, and it continued for many days. When we were in Colombo in 1994 for the Singer Trophy, Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja used to arrange for me to speak with him," Latif told TimesofIndia.com.

The story behind Latif's nickname offers a glimpse of just how deep the connection ran. Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali also paid tribute to Patekar, explaining how the actor's name became part of Pakistan dressing-room folklore.

"Early in the morning I heard sad news. Our very dear brother, friend, and living legend is no longer in this world — Nana Patekar Sahab has passed away. What a person he was; he acted in movies exactly as he was in real life. We had nicknamed Latif as 'Nana', because of Nana Patekar. We first talked back in 1994, and it all started from there," Basit said.

The 1998 Best Actor award — and a gentle jibe at the Indian team

Among Latif's fondest memories is the moment Patekar won the Best Actor award in 1998. Latif was then in South Africa with the Pakistan team, but made sure his congratulations reached the actor — and Patekar, in turn, made sure everyone knew about it.

"When he received the Best Actor award in 1998, I was in South Africa with the team, and I had conveyed my congratulations to him. Then when he went and met the Indian team, he told everyone about it, that is what Ajay Jadeja was telling me. He said, 'Look, Rashid Latif is Pakistani, he congratulated me, but you people did not,' so yes, I continued speaking with him," Latif recalled with evident fondness.

A life of conviction — on screen and on the frontline

Patekar's death came as a shock to colleagues and friends. Through his roles, the actor often portrayed the anger, helplessness and disillusionment of ordinary people, earning a reputation for authenticity both on and off the screen.

Chillingly, just four days before his death, Patekar spoke about the uncertainty of life at an event in Goa. "We all have to go someday. I don't know whether I will be here tomorrow," he had said.

Patekar's connection to service extended well beyond cinema. During the Kargil War in 1999, he convinced Defence Minister George Fernandes to let him work with soldiers on the frontline. He spent about 60 days at different locations, including Drass, Mughal Pora and Baramulla, and was also a member of the Quick Reaction Team (QRT).

His contributions to Indian cinema were recognised with three National Film Awards for his performances in Parinda, Krantiveer and Agni Sakshi. His honours also included several Filmfare Awards, the Maharashtra State Film Award, Filmfare Awards Marathi and the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honour.

Patekar is survived by his wife, Neelkanti, and son, Malhar.